TIGSource Forums

I started a devlog (https://gamejolt.com/games/SuperRetroMaker/286318) on Gamejolt.com and it got basically zero views.  I then posted an introduction in their "introductions" forum with a link to my devlog, and my post got deleted.  Apparently you are not allowed to link/advertise your game/devlog on their forums, they want *you* to drive traffic to *them* from external sites.  I'm planning to release on Steam and Itch.io, and at this point I'm wondering if there is any value at all to being on Gamejolt.com?

I have seen no value or visitors to my site or game from GameJolt

I can't speak for the value of GameJolt specifically, but in general, it would be wise to have your game on as many distribution channels as possible (like you are with itch.io and Gamejolt).

You do have a valid concern, which is that the bulk game marketing efforts result in sending external traffic to a 3rd-party site. If you are going to do this, I'd advise that you use a link retargeting service like Rebrandly to keep track of link clicks and to embed your Facebook ads pixel to the link itself.

Ideally, you should see about selling your game directly off your website, for a few reasons, mainly control and analytics. PatchKit has a distribution network to handle the content (game downloads and patches, hence the name). You'd then need to find a payment processor.

I dont know, Im using only GameJolt for now, I released few simple games, and they got some attention , from a crowd not GameJolt itself,

Marketing can be a slow, hard road.  But with small wins from each effort, over time that can lead to a good sized following for your game.

I think a devlog is a really good idea, especially if you have some interesting points to make, but readers need to find it once you create it.  It is definitely not a "Write it and they will come" type situation.  Promote your articles on twitter, reddit and elsewhere.  Give your users subscribe options, like twitter or mailchimp, so they can follow you and hear about new posts.  Over time you will start to get readers, and they may also start sharing your articles, but it may be a slow process at the beginning.

I agree with clemmons_io that if you want to do this, an official website for your game is a much better option than gamejolt.  It will provide more long term value to you.  Your website should be the home of your game, and having that info stay with it, rather than spread out across multiple distributions like gamejolt, is a better route.  You can still link or even republish your devlog posts on gamejolt/itch/etc.  but aim to drive the traffic to your official site.

And if you need a website for your indie game check out ManaKeep (https://manakeep.com), which includes a blog feature, and can be a great home for your official website.  Its built by me, and made specifically for indie game websites, and I would be happy to answer any questions on it =)

Update, Without any advertising, my Devlog got some attention, its only title logo there, but still people looking

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll make my game available on GameJolt if it's not too much hassle, but I'll focus on marketing my website instead. 

This is just a platform for publishing games. To attract people for your game, you need advertising. Steam is also a playground. It's just a playground and it will not just advertise your game. I'm talking about this in my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XAiXzbHQgc