Hey everyone!
I'd like to announce some changes to ORK Framework's update policy.
Up until now purchasing ORK has granted you access to all future updates, even years after purchase. I'd really like to keep it that way, but it's sadly no longer financially feasible for me to do so. About a year ago I've opened a
Patreon page in hopes to gain enough additional support - and I'm very grateful for everyone who's pledged so far - but it's not really enough to keep providing free updates forever.
From now on, purchasing ORK Framework will grant you
updates for one year. Until Unity allows asset providers to set up subscription services this'll be handled by releasing ORK as a new asset and deprecating the old one.
Everyone who purchased ORK within the last 6 months of the new yearly release will get a free upgrade via the asset store. Everyone else who purchased ORK within a year please contact me at contact@orkframework.com with your asset store invoice number to get future updates (until a full year after purchase).
I've already gone through the whole asset acceptance process with Unity and will publish the new ORK asset in the asset store next week, including the free upgrade options in case you've purchased within 6 months.
I'm really sorry that I have to take this step. I know that this'll hit some of you financially, however I'm also just a small individual asset provider trying to get by :)
Just to be clear - I will not abandon supporting or further developing ORK Framework (or Makinom) in any case. However, I may be forced to get a regular day job again (which would certainly be paid a lot better :D), which would reduce my support responce times and the ability to provide regular updates and bugfixes.
If you're wondering how you can help, I'd ask you to support me on
Patreon, keep purchasing your yearly ORK updates or contact me for commissioned feature implementations. Especially paid feature implementations have really helped me in the last years, so please consider sponsoring a feature if you need it for your game :)
Thanks for everything up until now!
EditAlright, the new asset is
available in the Asset Store, although the upgrade path and new version 2.18.0 seem to take some time.
In case you want to update through
Patreon, the new $25 pledge tier will grant you access to release versions.
You can find more details about the update policy and how to get further updates
here.
For me, playmaker, bolts, and other assets in the store is below Ork, just because of his supports. In my experience using playmaker, if you are stuck trying to do something, most of the time you are own your own.
With Ork - Oh dang, how do I do this? Ahh no worry, just ask GiL.
I have always have the exact same thoughts as GiL regarding the yearly payment. As GiL says, a regular job with his experience will pay a ton more, which is why I am even more grateful for him sticking with us 100%.
Gil, just do what you have to do, in order to still provide us daily dose of supports.
$100 yearly is no big deal compare to what you are doing now for us and what you will be doing in the future for Ork.
PS, the only thing I will be sad about is that when you remove ork from the asset store for a new one, the awesome rating will be gone :D
It would be nice to have a yearly roadmap of planned features with this new format. Even if it's rough roadmap. Because that's one of the trickiest parts of working with ORK. Without roadmap you never know if it's smart to invest your time in custom solution for ORK, or it's better to wait a bit, while you work on other stuff, and see if it gets added natively.
The way I'm seeing it is that GIL tries to get a more stable monthly payment for his work, while has his extras, and Patreon seems the way to go, and by giving this Perk I bet he ll reach this goal.
What about people who don't update ORK? Do they have to stick with what's currently available to specific Unity version to avoid compatibility issues?
If you going on a yearly subscription route, why not push out incremental updates through Patreon? It does give incentives to existing ORK users to (1) have ORK up-to-date (2) support GiL on financially (3) avoid the huge yearly paywall.
@Shadow_Fire
AFAIK the ratings should be carried over due to the upgrade path I'll set up.
@hellwalker
Yeah, I've also thought about putting out a roadmap, although that's a bit hard to do as most of the features are based on user feedback/wishes.
@Raiulyn (@dlevel)
Well, those who don't update don't get new updates any longer and are stuck with whatever last ORK version they had.
I'll look into having release versions (and a version backlog) via Patreon. That'd allow those who can't or don't want to pay yearly to at least get a specific update by pledging for a moth - but definitely not at a $10 tier :D
If you're enjoying my products, updates and support, please consider supporting me on patreon.com!
If you have release versions on Patreon, buying ORK with 1 year of updates seems less desirable for people with less disposable income.
Where do we fall into the migration to the new policy? Are we just staying at the last version (2.17.1 is latest I have) and have to pay upon next upgrade?
Is that then our new yearly upgrade expiration or is it more akin to each year is separate? E.g. 2019 ORK starts Jan 1, pay upgrade at anytime in 2019 to receive that version plus any updates until Jan 1 2020, where we move to 2020 ORK which requires new fee for everyone.
For what it's worth, I am totally okay with the move, just wondering how we fit. 7 years of free constant updates is crazy value, and I think it is more than reasonable for you to be compensated for the work.
I think this might also help with group commissions, if some people want one of the features faster they can do group commission. And road map would help sort of funnel right people into right features.
Well, updates and release versions are the same thing.
@tribbles @dlevel
I completely agree - however, I don't know who's close to a release (or some other major milestone) unless you tell me that you are :D
I'm all for that and - as always - happy to help you in any way I can, you just have to contact me with and let me know whatever help you need. Also, if you've released something, let me know as well :)
@Acissathar
If you haven't purchased within 1 year (i.e. 12 months, not within this year), you'll have to purchase a new license to get future updates. You'll get updates for 1 year from the date you purchased, e.g. purchasing today will grant you access to udpates until 2019-09-12.
I'll grant some grace periods, e.g. if there'd be a major update coming shortly after your updates expired I'd still be willing to give it to you :)
If you're enjoying my products, updates and support, please consider supporting me on patreon.com!