There are exceptions, though. Blender failed to make money for the studio that made it, resulting in them selling it to the community for a one-time fee, and it is now one of the great jewels of the open source movement: https://www.blender.org/foundation/history/
It's important to note, though, that in Blender's case the founder remained involved the whole way through, and I think still is. I suspect his dedication and long-term attention is a lot of why it worked out.
There are exceptions, though. Blender failed to make money for the studio that made it, resulting in them selling it to the community for a one-time fee, and it is now one of the great jewels of the open source movement: https://www.blender.org/foundation/history/
It's important to note, though, that in Blender's case the founder remained involved the whole way through, and I think still is. I suspect his dedication and long-term attention is a lot of why it worked out.