Solo game dev here, I'll take a go at these questions.
- I've been using itch for 2 months now.
- I learned about itch several years ago googling similar game websites to steam, but never thought much of it.
- I use itch to post my games and find other developers creating similar content
- My favorite games to make are platformers!
- I see the community is very active on the discussion boards and devlogs are also a great way to find out how people are coming along with their projects.
- Yeah reading comments and responding is great so you help build the community.
- I have yet to have that experience, but since I've only been actively using it for 2 months that makes sense.
- What I like most is the positive environment and game jams are awesome! what a great concept to help out indie devs.
- Game jams? idk if those are on other platforms probably, but I hadn't heard of one before itch so there's that.
Hope that helps for your paper! Good luck!