Key insights
5 slides
What changed
GMTK will stop accepting paid Substack subscriptions.
The Game Maker’s Toolkit will discontinue accepting paid Substack subscriptions. The announcement is dated June 18, 2026.
Effective date. GMTK is discontinuing all paid Substack subscriptions effective June 18, 2026.
Why it changed
International tax reporting drives the administrative burden.
Mark Brown cites administrative burdens as the main reason for the change. Tax reporting across multiple countries is the particular burden.
Main reason. The transition is driven by the administrative burden of managing international tax reporting requirements associated with Substack’s payment system.
Where it goes
GMTK is migrating its crowdfunding operations to Patreon.
GMTK will shift its crowdfunding focus to Patreon. The author cites Patreon as having a more manageable administrative structure.
- 01Discontinue paid Substack subscriptionsEffective June 18, 2026
- 02Migrate crowdfunding to PatreonSimpler administration
- 03Continue free Substack publishingFor SEO benefits
Refund process
Annual subscribers receive pro-rated refunds for remaining terms.
Subscribers with annual Substack plans receive refunds for the remaining term. Any issues can be resolved through a provided contact link.
Refund terms. Annual Substack subscribers will receive pro-rated refunds for the remainder of their current terms.
What stays
Video content and transcripts remain on Substack for free.
GMTK will continue to publish video content and transcripts on Substack. Free subscriptions remain available to maintain SEO performance.
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Summary
The note explains that the Game Maker’s Toolkit (GMTK) will discontinue accepting paid Substack subscriptions. The author, Mark Brown, thanks supporters and cites administrative burdens—particularly tax reporting across multiple countries—as the main reason for the change. GMTK will shift its crowdfunding focus to Patreon, which offers simpler administration. Subscribers with annual Substack plans receive refunds for the remaining term; any issues can be resolved through a provided contact link. Brown assures that video content and transcripts will continue to appear on Substack for SEO benefits, encouraging free subscription retention. The announcement is dated June 18 2026 and includes a brief overview of GMTK’s presence on Substack, noting its launch three years prior. No quantitative data or broader industry analysis is provided; the communication serves as a direct update to existing backers about platform strategy and refund procedures.
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