In light of recent news about censorship, I believe we need a new platform where developers and gamers can collaborate. This platform shouldn't be controlled by any single company or individual and should not be influenced by external forces, such as payment processors exerting pressure.
I envision an open-source platform for sharing and purchasing games, a non-profit entity that is self-sufficient in its operations, and most importantly, built by and for the community.
To make this a reality, we first need motivated and interested individuals to come together. We must align around the common goal of transparency, ensuring that the platform remains true to its community-driven roots.
We must identify problems and find solutions before executing the work. We must write specifications for all edge cases.
To be more specific, the community should play a central role in screening and curating games. To ensure the integrity of the project, the platform should only retain a minimal fee from sales to cover development and operational costs. Monthly profit and expense reports should be made publicly available. Decision-making for the platform should be democratic, involving valuable members of the community, including game developers, through a voting system. The community should always consider the perspectives of gamers.
If you're interested, check out: https://xanimerl.itch.io/open-game-initiative Please understand that there is nothing built yet; it's simply a ground to chat and try to create a better place for everyone.
P.S.
I'm aware that I might not be the perfect candidate to lead this initiative, as English is not my native language, and I'm just a small developer who doesn't really know anyone in the gaming industry or community.
Ultimately, I'm looking to find like-minded individuals to collaborate and create a well-oiled platform where everyone brings their unique skill set and a strong commitment to free speech and fighting censorship.
First post: https://itch.io/t/5122071/i-guess-its-time-for-a-gaming-platform-that-only-accep...