We prefer people to sell files with their game, but we do allow some people to sell only Steam keys since for some game's it's not possible to make a standalone build. If you'd like to do that please send a message to support@itch.io and we can enable it on the project page you need it for. You should have the page for the game already created, but it doesn't need to be published.

I found some games only provide the download of a text/PDF file about "how to activate the key on Steam", and give only Steam key when you purchase. (so, no DRM-free copy of the game)

(v Reference Image, The 'Buy Now" button is image ONLY!)

(^ Reference Image, The "Buy Now" button is image ONLY!)

--------

So I want to ask admins: is that allowed here?

Yes,would like to know too.

I'm here to buy DRM free games...not a key only thing  /:

Very sad to see that it's allowed here...

That is the problem I discussed before, itch.io allows this thing happen for its own profit  these day. leafo

I suggest everyone who likes to stay in itch.io buy the game through individual developers directly not these careless distributor. 

https://itch.io/t/165252/itchio-notice-2-there-are-many-distributors-coming-on-i...

And to LorenLemcke

I don't believe there is no way to have standalone version of the game, Steam don't insist DRM into every game on Steam. There are many instances for DRM-free games on Steam. And since your game is not MMO, there is no problem with server.

I would like to quote the developer of The Norwood Suite's reply: "Under what circumstance would getting a steam Key through itch be preferable to getting the game through Steam directly?"

https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/drm

http://steam.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games

https://itch.io/t/159970/do-itchio-buyers-get-steam-keys

whiteblack 

I also would like to see a DRM option on itch.io to avoid thinking about selling Steam keys with no build.  I would rather sell the build on itch.io, but for all the hard work/money spent on building a game, I would like to have some measure of defense against illegal distribution.

This is a miscommon myth in the game developer community. DRM can still be stolen, many famous games on steam got stolen even before it was launched (FF15 got stolen before lunch). So no matter what you do, it will always gets stolen, if you want to not let pirates use your games you better off hiring a team that will track down the internet and issue DMCA on sites. My free games get stolen a lot it hasnt been a year but over 100 DMCA take down have been issued. these robbers install malware/spyware in your game as well as use your name for a cover up.

Just a small lesson to everyone to learn, you can't always protect your game.