I think that most people commenting here are drowning in a cup of water. Though some others have come up with some good ideas or comments. And though I understand the questions that may immediately arise after reading the criteria, we need to take a step back and think things out for a moment.
Where as ModDB and IndieDB accept all manner of uploads, Desura aims to be the cream of the crop. To put things into perspective using cars as an example, consider ModDB and IndieDB to be your average to the top of the line Toyota or Ford, while Desura is your Lamborghini, Ferrari or Koenigsegg. Basically, they want top of the line AAA indie titles and mods that can stand on par with most commercial products put out there by big names. Can your mod or indie title stand next to an Epic, Bungie, Rockstar or SquareEnix title? Is your indie game or mod the next Counter Strike Source? The next Team Fortress? The next Plants vs Zombies?
But the biggest issue it seems has to do with Polish and Uniqueness. Polish and Uniqueness can mean alot of things, but it does not necessarily mean High-End graphics and no bugs though it can include that. Polish and Uniqueness means that what you did not only looks good but handles good.
I think a good criteria for a game to be uploaded to Desura in addition to what was already mentioned would be a trial/focus group that test-runs the game. And if they like it, find it fun, unobstructive to enjoyment and not pace-breaking, let it be on Desura. The trial group must be fans of the given genre and should number a good amount of people. And I think a good amount of time would be 1 week. Also, you should compare what other services use to decide which games get on their service and which not to benchmark your own criteria. XBLA, WiiWare, Steam, etc.
Exevalon
Raul joined
Several years with a Mod DB account, and only now is when I decide to write a bio, how lolacious. Hi everyone! My name is Raul Rivera Arroyo, included second last name becuase I have a mother. Im an aspiring Game Designer and Concept Artist from Puerto Rico. I have to my name a Bacheler's degree in Game Design and a Master's Degree in Graphic Design. Thats alot of design going on. What can I say, I love design. :) And not just design, but everything art related, especially when it comes to video games and film. Have a few things going, but nothing on here as of yet. I hope to change that. Happy Modding!