Where can I put the completed game demo?

Steam

• Goals: Attract wishlists and future purchases; participate in official events like Steam Next Fest; boost media exposure and player word-of-mouth.
• Pros:
  • The world’s largest PC game distribution platform, with over 1 billion registered users.
  • Supports linking demos to the official game page, increasing exposure.
  • Access to high-traffic events (e.g., Steam Next Fest) for massive visibility.
  • Powerful built-in data analytics and backend features (wishlist tracking, user behavior, feedback collection).
• Cons:
  • Requires a one-time registration fee of $100 USD (refundable once your game generates revenue).
  • Needs to pass a review process before release, requiring extensive preparation.
  • Takes time to learn how to set up store pages and build uploads.
• Best for:
  • Demos that are relatively polished (with refined art, UI, and user experience).
  • Developers who have prepared a Steam store page (or aim to collect wishlists).
  • Those planning to join Steam Next Fest (requires preparation at least 2 months in advance).

Itch.io

• Goals: Rapid testing and devlog-style releases; collecting early feedback and building an indie community; showcasing prototypes, mini-games, or browser-based demos.
• Pros:
  • Completely free, no registration fees.
  • Extremely fast release process—can go live in 3 minutes.
  • Supports browser-based WebGL demos, ideal for Unity projects.
  • Flexible access settings (public, private, or link-only).
  • Indie-friendly community with high tolerance for experimental games and solo developers.
• Cons:
  • Limited exposure; not ideal for collecting wishlists.
  • Low commercial conversion rates.
  • Some publishers do not prioritize reviews from this platform.
• Best for:
  • Early-stage game development.
  • Releasing prototypes or vertical slices.
  • Developers who don’t want to expose their demo on Steam too early.

Game Jolt

• Goals: Targeting younger audiences (including creators and streamers); community-driven operations centered on games; promoting indie genres like pixel art, horror, and platformers.
• Pros:
  • Free to publish, with high user activity.
  • Built-in community features (interaction, devlogs, progress sharing).
  • Simple game page structure and easy release process.
  • Good support for creator content (e.g., character designs, fan art).
• Cons:
  • Core user base is younger, may not suit serious-themed games.
  • Weak commercial distribution channels.
• Best for:
  • Developers looking to build long-term engagement with fans.
  • Games with lighthearted, creative, or retro styles.