Overview
Netcade is a creator first platform for games, videos, and music. This documentation explains every part of the product—from uploading and metadata to monetization and the API.
Tip: Use the left sidebar to jump to any section on this page.
Quickstart
1) Create your account
- Click Register in the site header and verify your email.
- Visit Channel > Settings to set a display name, avatar, and short bio.
2) Upload your first item
Go to Creator Dashboard > Upload and select Game, Video, or Music. Follow the wizard.
3) Publish & share
When the status changes to Released, your page is live. Share your URL or issue access keys for testers.
Core concepts
Users vs creators
- User: plays games, watches videos, listens to music, leaves reviews.
- Creator: uploads content, sets pricing, tracks analytics, gets paid.
Content types
- Game: HTML5/WebGL (in-browser) or downloadable builds (Windows/Mac/Linux).
- Video: MP4/HLS with adaptive streaming; posters and trailers supported.
- Music: MP3/FLAC; waveform previews and track/album pages.
Statuses & visibility
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Private to you; incomplete metadata. |
| Submitted | Queued for review (automated + human checks). |
| Approved | Meets policy; ready to release. |
| Released | Publicly visible and monetizable. |
| Unlisted | Accessible via link or key; not visible in browse. |
| Archived | Not available to new users; owners retain access. |
Achievements & XP
Netcade tracks XP, levels, and tier badges (Bronze → Silver → Gold → Mithril → Adamant → Diamond → Grandmaster). XP comes from both creation (uploads, updates, milestones) and engagement (views, likes, reviews).
Level formula:
XP_needed(level) = 250 * level1.35. Badges render on your channel and tooltips.
Uploads
Games
- Choose Game → Upload.
- Select type:
- Web build: ZIP with
index.html(e.g., Unity WebGL, HTML5). Extracted and hosted for in-browser play. - Downloadable: ZIP or installer (Win/Mac/Linux). Offered via the Netcade Client download flow.
- Web build: ZIP with
- Add required metadata (see Metadata & tags).
- Optionally add trailer (MP4/HLS), screenshots, and external links (Discord, site).
- Click Submit for review. Automated scans check for malware and prohibited content; human review verifies metadata.
Large files (> 2 GB): use the Netcade Client Uploader or the dedicated large-file endpoint at upload.netcade.com.
Resumable/chunked uploads are supported.
Videos
- Upload MP4 (H.264/AAC) or HLS. Recommended: 1080p @ 8–10 Mbps; 4K supported.
- Set a poster image (16:9). Netcade generates responsive renditions automatically.
- Optional trailer vs. full video are both supported via the media carousel.
Music
- Upload MP3 (320kbps) or FLAC. Provide track title, artist/creator, album/collection, and artwork.
- Waveforms are generated; listeners get inline previews. Albums can group multiple tracks.
Images & assets
| Asset | Spec | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Game cover | Vertical poster (2:3), PNG/JPG | Used in cards + storefront header |
| Screenshots | 16:9/4:3, up to 10 | Auto-optimized |
| Poster (video) | 16:9, 1920×1080 recommended | Shown before playback |
| Artwork (music) | Square (1:1) | Album/track thumbnails |
| Avatar | Square | Channel icon |
Metadata & tags
Good metadata increases discovery and determines eligibility for features and age gating. These fields are supported across Games, Videos, and Music:
| Field | Type | Description / Values |
|---|---|---|
title | string | Public title displayed on cards and pages. |
slug | string | Custom URL slug (validated in real-time; must be unique). |
short_description | string | ~140 chars; used in list cards and social embeds. |
description | HTML/markdown | Full page description. Supports rich text and images. |
visibility | enum | public | unlisted | private |
release_status | enum | draft | submitted | approved | released | archived |
is_paid | boolean (0/1) | 0 = free; 1 = paid (PWYW or fixed price). |
price | number | Fixed price (if is_paid=1 and not PWYW). |
pwyw_min | number | Minimum price for pay-what-you-want (0 allowed). |
for_kids | boolean | Designed for children (COPPA-aligned presentation). |
age_rating | enum | e.g., E, 10+, 13+, 16+, 18+. |
content_warnings | array<string> | Violence, language, flashing lights, etc. Shown as badges. |
genre | string | Primary genre (e.g., Action, Puzzle; for music: Electronic, Rock). |
tags | array<string> | 3–8 tags recommended; confirmed with comma/tab. |
engine | enum | Detected for games (Unreal / Unity / Godot / HTML5). |
platform | enum | For games: web (in-browser) or downloadable. |
allow_downloads | boolean | Permit local download for HTML/Web games (if enabled). |
allow_embeds | boolean | Allow embedding of the player on external sites. |
cover_image | file | Primary cover art (games: vertical poster; music: square; video: 16:9 poster). |
screenshots | file[] | Up to 10 screenshots for the media carousel. |
trailer_url | url | Optional video trailer shown in the carousel and on hover. |
external_links | object | Discord, website, socials. |
Review process
- Automated checks: malware scan (for executables/zips), file type validation, aspect ratio, policy keywords.
- Human pass: verify description, age rating, content warnings, and imagery.
- Result: approved → Released; needs changes → notes returned in Dashboard.
Commerce & payouts
Pricing models
- Free: zero price; optional donations/tips.
- Pay-what-you-want (PWYW): set a minimum (can be 0).
- Fixed price: you set the price per item.
- Keys: sell elsewhere; redeem on Netcade (see Access keys).
Earnings calculation
Netcade shares 95% of net revenue with creators (after processor fees). Here’s the formula used in the dashboard:
creator_payout = (gross_amount - payment_processor_fees) * 0.95
// Example: $10.00 sale, Stripe fee 2.9% + $0.30
// gross = 10.00; fees = 0.59; remainder = 9.41; payout = 8.9395 ⇒ $8.94
Payouts
- How it works: Buyers pay via Stripe/PayPal on Netcade. Creator payouts are handled through Trolley (our disbursement/KYC/tax partner).
- KYC / Tax: You’ll complete identity + tax onboarding securely in Trolley. Netcade does not store sensitive tax or banking data.
- Threshold: $10 minimum balance.
- Schedule: Weekly payout requests; typical arrival 2–7 business days depending on region and method.
API
Use the REST API to automate uploads, keys, and analytics pulls for games, videos, and music.
Authentication
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN
Moderation & content policy
Safety
- No hate speech, harassment, or sexual content involving minors.
- Malware and crypto-mining binaries are strictly prohibited.
- Age-gating required for mature content; follow regional laws.
Glossary
- Release: A public version of your item.
- Key: Single-use code that unlocks access.
- PWYW: Pay-what-you-want pricing.
- HLS: HTTP Live Streaming (adaptive video).
Support
Questions? Email [email protected] or join our Discord.