One of the reasons this model worked for KoL is that it grew organically, as a side project that started as a joke and slowly built a community. Initially, donations were mostly to cover bandwidth costs, then became enough for the creator to quit his day job, and eventually enough to hire some extra people.
For more complex games that require more work (and possibly investment), it's questionable that this model could be relied upon. Still, as an old-timer who seldom plays anymore (#53596), I have huge admiration for the Asymmetric team for carving out an awesome niche gaming community with non-exploitive business model.
For more complex games that require more work (and possibly investment), it's questionable that this model could be relied upon. Still, as an old-timer who seldom plays anymore (#53596), I have huge admiration for the Asymmetric team for carving out an awesome niche gaming community with non-exploitive business model.