It depends on the author. Normally once paid, the game is yours. But some authors bring out new versions at higher prices, so you need to pay that price to own the latest updated version.
Like, you bought it at $5, but v2 is now at $10 - you won't be able to get V2 unless you pay $10... (paying the difference does not seem possible, unfortunately).
Other authors bring out the latest v2 at $15 and then after a certain time, drop down to the original $5, so you just need to wait.
That's good to know. And that's also not a good news.
I plan to release on Steam at some point and, as I understand it, I will have to increase the price tag here on Itch.
I hoped that it wouldn't impact the ones that already have bought the game.
If I understand you correctly, they would then have to buy it again at full price ?
My understanding of the itch price structure is perhaps not complete, as I am only consuming things here on itch. So it might be different than what I say here. But yes, I have paid $5 for a game ( Knightly Passions ) and then when they upped the price tot $10, had to pay $10 again, so in total $15. Currently you can download version 6 for free, version 7 for $1 and version 8 for $10 (discount of 50% as the new price is $20).
I understand that Steam wants the price to be the same or higher than on Steam if the game is available on multiple platforms, correct ?
You should probably contact another author on itch who went to steam (Lockheart from Avalon is somebody who tried this, he might have tips if you contact him via his Discord, although it was apparently not totally positive).
I can think of several things you could try :
Again, best to talk to an author here who did this already.
Hope this helps !
Yes, when you publish on Steam, you can't have the game available at a cheaper price tag anywhere else.
I am not 100% sure about that but I think it includes demos, limited versions and that kind of stuff.
When I'll release it on Steam, I will more likely up the price tag of Summer Scent to match the standard for that kind of game (from $10 to $15 I believe).
I'll have to do some more research, but you're right. I should probably increase the price tag on Itch as soon as possible, to mitigate future problems. In combination with gifting Steam or Itch keys, that could do the trick.
A lot of things to think about!
Thank you!
