Short: Anyone have any experience using Patreon (or indiegogo, or other alternatives) for game release? Particularly in place of in-app purchase for additional content (on iOS, Mac, PC). Tell me your thoughts and experience.

Long story: I'm getting towards releasing my episodic RPG Accursed Crown of the GIant King (https://www.prankster.com/wp/acotgk/).​ Early next year, PC, iOS, Mac. The RPG is in four chapters, with the structure that the first chapter is free, upselling the other 3 chapters.

I released my previous RPG (https://prankster.com/totaw/index.htm)​ in the same manner, with the additional chapters as IAP on Mac and iOS, and for sale as separate downloads on PC. Technically that worked fine. I got some sales, but certainly not an overwhelming amount. Let's just say I did not make back the cost of the MacBook Pro that I use for development.

For ACotGK, if my revenue is going to be of that level, I'd just as soon let more folks play the game rather than lock it down behind iAP. Perhaps something like Patreon would get me just the same revenue but let more people play my game? I'm thinking about it, and would love to hear other folks take.

Thanks,

Geoff

@GeneralJist Thanks for the reply! I have some follow up questions, if you have time:

1. What platforms? It looks like your main product is a C&C mod, so PC (only?).
2. Did you provide extra benefits for Patrons, or did you use Patreon more as a tip jar?
3. How often did you provide updates or new content to spur your patrons on?
4. Did you do anything different in releasing game content to fit the patron model?

Any details you can give would be helpful.