I don't really understand how releasing update at the same time can be considered "penalizing" to supporters. Some of them even might buy the game again on Steam for more convenient updates, cloud saves, achievements etc.
But as Steam user I wouldn't even consider buying the game, developer of which treats me as some third-rate customer, who will get the game delayed or cut only because he choose one-time payment instead of monthly subscription.
Anyway it's your game and you can sell it however you want, maybe some people with no self-esteem and principles will still buy it.
I’m not trying to convince you of anything, not even to buy the game on Steam. I completely respect your decision if you choose not to purchase it. You can rest assured that the game will eventually be available for free, and I’ll be more than happy knowing that you played it when that time comes. The point is this: I release new versions every month.
On Patreon, the cost is $5 per month, which adds up to $15 over a quarter. Someone who buys the game on Steam pays roughly the same amount.
In 6 months, a Patreon supporter will have paid $30 and will receive 6 versions of the game. Meanwhile, a Steam buyer will have paid $15 and will also receive the same 6 versions, but spread across two quarters.
In one year, a Patreon supporter will have paid $60 and will receive 12 versions. On the other hand, a Steam buyer will still have paid the same $15 but will receive 12 versions, delivered quarterly.
The key difference is in ongoing support for development. On Patreon, you contribute monthly, helping to sustain the project while receiving updates more frequently. On Steam, it’s a one-time payment and the updates come in a more spaced-out manner.
Here’s the table with the differences between Patreon and Steam:
| Platform | Cost | Update Frequency | Number of Updates (6 months) | Number of Updates (1 year) |
|---|
| Patreon | $5 per month | Monthly updates | 6 updates | 12 updates |
| Steam | Approximately $15 (one-time payment) | Quarterly updates | 2 updates (Containing the 6 patreon updates) | 4 updates (Containing the 12 patreon updates) |
This table clearly shows the difference between the two platforms. While the total number of contents in updates over time is the same, on Patreon, you receive the updates more frequently, whereas on Steam, you make a one-time payment and the updates are spread out over quarters.
