Is a flat donation model viable in 2024?
I've been developing a custom game mode and I'm thinking of hosting a server based around it. This may come off as incredibly naive, but I've been considering making all the usual perks, ranks, items, cosmetics, etc earnable in-game rather than paid. The only edge you can get over others besides playing the game would be some minor vote rewards.
My guess is that this would be a breath of fresh air for a lot of players, but the cynical side of me thinks that people are too used to aggressive monetization to appreciate my efforts to provide a better experience. So my question is, in 2024, can i cover costs if the only income are donations with no rewards associated?
1. Currently I am the sole developer of the gamemode. It's an action-rpg style zombie shooter-looter with heavy custom-worldgen elements and a robust horde system. Dead players come back as zombies, teammates can revive each other, all the works. Progress is slow but going well.
2. This is a passion project. I'm not trying to make a business or anything, I'll just need to cover hosting costs. Anything extra is just compensation for my time and any volunteer staff I end up having.
My guess is that this would be a breath of fresh air for a lot of players, but the cynical side of me thinks that people are too used to aggressive monetization to appreciate my efforts to provide a better experience. So my question is, in 2024, can i cover costs if the only income are donations with no rewards associated?
1. Currently I am the sole developer of the gamemode. It's an action-rpg style zombie shooter-looter with heavy custom-worldgen elements and a robust horde system. Dead players come back as zombies, teammates can revive each other, all the works. Progress is slow but going well.
2. This is a passion project. I'm not trying to make a business or anything, I'll just need to cover hosting costs. Anything extra is just compensation for my time and any volunteer staff I end up having.
