So I guess the counter doesn't count PayPal.
No, the counter does not. They've been updating the paypal post to show how much Paypal has accumulated
PAYPAL TOTAL: $71,356 (as of 8:01pm PST Sat, 9/28)
And if any stretch goal is surpassed (counting both Paypal and Kickstarter) they update the stretch goal chart to reflect it.
So what are the chances that they burn thru all the Kickstarter cash too fast and end up releasing half a game, or it ends up in development hell until a publisher picks it up?
Thanks for that vote of confidence. While it's true that they budgeted on the low end (as they have stated), they aren't some random indie development team. They are going into this project with confidence. And they stated that should there be any sort of issues or delays, they would inform us as soon as possible. That was part of their side of the agreement with the backing community. I sincerely doubt the game will be released a half-finished mess. They'll take extra time if they need to, and this game accumilated a lot more cash than they anticipated it would.
As for a publisher picking it up, they said unless a publisher offers them a nice incentive and does not compromise their vision (creating a game with fan input, one that will remain Comcept's property, and without any major interference from the publisher) they will not need support from any publisher. That's part of why we're here. And if such a publisher would come in with such an offer, they'd let us know before deciding anything.