Re: Akabur Games
Sure it has failed, if you're looking just at Akabur. But look at artists like, Swegabe, Sierra/Nomo, YummyTiger, HentaiWriter and Eromancer just to name a few. They are already producing art and living from patreon. (with the exception of YT because he will start taking pledges after he releases Chapter 2 of his game).
The huge difference is that quite a few of those you just named are just in it for the money and most of them didn't even release something before.
"here i am, that's my game, gimme my money NOW!!!!"
They just appeared, showed off a very small demo, some art (some is good some is worse than average) and are still getting a shitload of money. Of course those who won't support them won't get access to demos and so on

and dare god if someone decides to upload their stuff. You can rob japanese artists all you want but not our "artists" who are looking at the forums.
If you look at Akabur you know that he wants money but he started his awesome games and released them for free.... WAY before fucking crowdfunding was even used.
That's why i am not supporting most of those you mentioned besides a few who i gave a small amount because i saw pontential in their artstyle at least. Why the fuck would i give money to them if they didn't even release 1 game out of passion?
Because i feel like they have potential and are earnest (that's why i stated that i only gave something to a very few people). That's the exception though. You can literally feel that more than 50% will fail hard and stop after or even before their very first game releases.
I still think the approach should be this:
Either you have the free time and release a game or you don't.
If it's good and people like it>>> GREAT. Turn your hobby into your job and ask for money.
Asking for money right away seems like really cheap to me.... People really like to abuse this crowdfunding stuff if you ask me.
The common approach seems more like this: "here is some art, i wanna make games but i need 1k dollar per update plz kthxbai"
What's worse is that some don't even release the fucking game for free afterwards.
I rather support great japanese artists and actually buy their games from DLSITE.
Supporting Artists just because they plan on releasing English games is just stupid.
Without mentioning names .... Do your research about the guys and see who seems reliable and honest and who's just in it for some fast cash.
Akabur will always get much more money than you guys give him credit for and that's because he created something amazing for free out of PURE PASSION.
Unlike some guys who created nothing and want money to create their very first fucking game.