How does the online version even work? Is it at least full access? Or do you have to keep paying anytime you want to access?
That's a very good question. I'm a patron of several devs, and during the time of my membership I can dowload the latest versions of their games and play them on my computer whenever I want. If at some point I decide to cancel my subscription, I will no longer have access to any future update, but the previous versions that I already downloaded will always be mine unless I delete the files.
How does it work with this online thingy? Let's say I was a patreon and I continued to be so for six months after the game shifted to the online modality; let's say that during those six months 2 new online updates were released. What happens if I cancel my subscription then? Will I no longer be allowed to play the online version? Will I no longer have access to those 2 updates that I already paid for before cancelling my membership?
Honestly, I would never support a dev who doesn't allow me to download the game's files to my computer. Even if they granted me lifelong access to future game releases after I cancel my subscription, having to play it online is really inconvenient.
I can't tell if this decision was made with the intention of preventing piracy, but in any case a game with so little support can't afford to attract even fewer new supporters. Honestly, if the game is now exclusively online, I don't understand.