Even if his games only break even, Jeff Vogel would rather be building his own stuff than working for someone else:

What was my reward for the year spent writing Geneforge 4? It wasn't just the cash. I also own the game! That means, in ten years or so, I can return to it, give it better graphics and interface, add a bonus 2-3 dungeons, and release it to a new generation of gamers. . . immensely profitable.

Don't underestimate the value of owning your own intellectual property.

from his blog