Ehh. 2 versions of the same game?
I dont know what i think about this choice.. a bit stupid imo.
Just finish up the patron version, make it done with the original characters and move on to next project..
a new game with the new characters or continue with current game "10 years later" or something that explains why they look older now.
Why are you putting yourself though this misery of re-rendering everything with different characters.
I understand you want to sell the game on steam and need to comply with their rules.
but i still think its a bad idea to make 2 versions of the same game.