does buying this game on itch count as the free version?
Not sure I understand the question (or maybe it's phrased wrong?)You asked if buying (purchasing) count as the "free version"?No, because you paid for it so, not free. The paid and free versions are also not the same.
wasn't sure if itch.io and patreon would be different since one is a subscription site and the other isn't
Makes sense.The public version is free.The itch.io and Patreon versions are the same (latest version of the game, v 9).
The itch.io version is a one time purchase. Patreon is for people who want to support development of the project.
