You are having an interesting conversation. I am not much of a specialist
when it comes to games (although I enjoy simple 2D games such as Hedgewars,
SolarWolf, FrozenBubble, puzzles, etc.).
I guess you are aware of Flattr and of the idea of turning it (well, not
Flattr itself but a similar system managed by the state) into a mandatory tax
on Internet connections. This tax would be raised in exchange of the freedom
to non-commercially share *any* immaterial work (music, movies, press
articles, etc.). That would be a complete (but, I think, very appealing)
overhaul of the current merchandising of immaterial works (e.g., quality
online press would not feel any pressing need to track users and serve them
targeted advertisement). It appears to me as an excellent way to finance free
video games too. What do you think?
I also wanted to point out the game 0 A.D. that appears as an exception to
what both of you say: it looks very polished. It seems financed through
donations.
