Changes to Subscription Billing

Edit: Hey guys, looks like it's more complicated than I first thought, I was pretty sure there was just a button in the settings menu to change the payment method to monthly but it looks like that's gone and this migration to a "Subscription model" is different.

So I need to work with someone directly from Patreon to get it all working correctly. What that means is the changes most likely won't be happening this month but next month instead. One upside is they can individually help with setting up the payments so that everyone that is a current Patron will end up paying basically what they are now and only new joining members to have to pay the new flat monthly fee, so I'll see what they say and recommend to do with that. :)

With that said I'll still be releasing 5 map packs this month with 2 of them being completely free, so you still have that to look forward to! :D

Hi everyone! Some of you might know that Patreon is requiring all creators to switch to a subscription billing method by November, rather than allowing the current per-creation method. With this in mind, I've been working on how I'd like to approach this change and plan to switch sooner rather than later to start ironing out any issues and determining the direction I'd like to take my Patreon.

This means that instead of being charged each time a new map pack is released, you'll be charged only once per month. I've been considering how I wanted to handle these changes, and in many ways, I think it'll be a really positive shift.

Being on a per-creation billing method, while logical, has constrained the way I've created content. I've always felt the need to provide maximum value for each creation, which has led to bigger, more complicated maps. Gone are the days of simply painting a small cabin in the woods or a simple road; they just didn't feel like they were bringing enough value. Since I was only doing three map packs per month, creating a really simple map felt like a cop-out, even if it was good quality and had many uses.

Switching to a monthly subscription billing method will really open things up. With this change, I want to focus on trying new approaches. I plan to move from creating three map packs to around five per month but fundamentally what will be constraining my map making with just be how many I can make in a time period rather than also spending my time equally among 3 map packs.

Because your payments are no longer directly tied to a map pack, I can create simpler map packs that are quick to paint without feeling like I'm not providing enough value. I'm also considering doing more maps from the Map of the Month poll each month, but I'm not certain about that yet. For April, I've chosen some extras from the MotM and have already painted them, but I may not continue that trend. At this point, I want to experiment with various content methods to see what you enjoy and what I like, to find the best way to deliver the most value to everyone without burning myself out. :P

Additionally, I'd like to start creating more sci-fi variants for those interested because, frankly, it's a lot of fun. After making nothing but fantasy maps for over six years, it's refreshing to explore new environments. These sci-fi maps hopefully won't detract too much from those only looking for fantasy maps, as I'll always ensure fantasy variants are included as well. :)

Now, regarding pricing changes: Since we're moving from a per-creation billing method to monthly billing, the pricing has to be adjusted. This has been a difficult decision because not everyone pays for every creation each month. For instance, some people pay for 2/3 or even 1/3 creations per month, and I appreciate every dollar. However, I've had to settle on a middle ground since monthly billing doesn't allow for variance. Here's what I've come up with:

Currently, each tier pays a maximum of three times per month for each map pack:

$3x3 ($9 per month if you were paying for all 3 creations)

$5x3 ($15 per month if you were paying for all 3 creations)

$10x3 ($30 per month if you were paying for all 3 creations)

These will change to:

$7 Total (22% cheaper if you were paying for all 3 creations)

$12 Total (20% cheaper if you were paying for all 3 creations)

$20 Total (20% cheaper if you were paying for all 3 creations)

Those in discontinued tiers will likewise have their values adjusted to be 20% less than if they had paid for all three creations. This will make it cheaper for some, while unfortunately making it more expensive for others.

One upside to monthly billing is that we'll be able to offer annual subscriptions for discounts. For the first month, I was thinking of doing a special 50% off deal. This would mean you get six months free by signing up annually, providing extra value and even lower prices than when we were on per-creation billing—a great opportunity for some.

After that month, it would move to 25% off, or three months free, with an annual sign-up—still a great deal for those who enjoy my content, though not as extreme as the six months free. From what I've seen, creators typically only offer one month free for signing up annually, but I've never felt that was a good enough bargain unless I was 100% certain I'd support them forever, which is hard to predict. This way, even if not all the maps are for you, you're getting such great value that it's almost always worth it!

With all that said, in early April (The next couple of days), before a map pack has been released, I will switch the Patreon to monthly billing. If you get billed early, just know you won't be billed again at the end of the month as it normally does—it will be just that one bill at the start. If you have any issues, let me know, and I'll try to resolve them to the best of my ability.

Once this change has been made and the annual subscriptions are available, I’d like to ask a favor of those who enjoy my content: please consider sharing my Patreon page with others in any relevant social media groups you’re part of on platforms like Facebook, X, Reddit or anywhere else you think might be a good fit letting them know about the 6 month free Annual subscription.

Spreading the word would mean the world to me as I’ve been really struggling to share my content around myself. I’m incredibly thankful for all of your support—it’s because of you that I can keep doing what I love, and I can’t express how much I appreciate every single one of you.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!