General discussion 2 (Patreon)
Content
And don't worry about being a "free-loader". This game is a free game. However, if I earn some cash while I do it, I'm not going to complain. Initial plan is to break even and cover the money I've already spent and then everything after that will determine how much time I can free up from work to spend on this (more patreon money = less overtime needed in my real job). So I'll never criticize anyone who only plays the free versions.
Also, realistically I cannot ask people not to play "pirated" versions if they are available because that just isn't going to happen.
However, I would like it if people just didn't make the pirate version available in the first place, because I don't think a 2 or 3 week wait for the free version is a big ask, so all they're really doing is taking cash out of my pocket. And this cash = extra time for game development and extra assets to improve the game. So really all it does is slow down the game development / decrease overall quality of the game.
So if you want to financially support the game and get early access -great! However, if you only play the free version, then that is also great (my primary goal is to create a game that people enjoy regardless of money). I just don't want the people who ARE paying to get shafted when the very thing they are paying their hard-earned cash on is being giving out for nothing.
So, there's no such thing as a free-loader. As long as you enjoy the game, I'm cool with that. And if you take the time out to send me on decent feedback (positive or constructive) then you really are supporting the game!