This got me thinking about Limit Theory [1], where everything will be procedurally generated. Not sure if the project is still alive though. I remember getting so hyped over it in 2014 or something...
Yes, that was a really elaborate scam by the notorious Josh Parnell. Made all the right noises and made off with $200k, releasing not even a single line of code.
Since no end product is guaranteed, you're taking a risk when you're helping people on Kickstarter. I think that is pretty clear from Kickstarter's charter. Thus I wouldn't exactly call it a scam.
If anyone is scamming anyone, it's Kickstarter itself, since all you get for your risk-taking activity, is the finished product of whoever you decide to help, and none of the potential profits associated with it.
Usually speculation is associated with a percentage of profits, and there is none to be had at Kickstarter. All you are doing there, is helping someone potentially finish something they're working on. Further more, Kickstarter does not seem to communicate the speculative nature of what they're doing well enough. IMHO that's the "scammiest" part of their whole business model.
I personally followed Mr. Parnell closely online, and if his work was ever a scam, it's one of the most elaborate and time-consuming out there. I don't think it's cool to judge someone for having an obvious mental breakdown. And I don't even think you're entitled to feel angry at anyone but yourself for risking money on something with so little to gain.
On the other hand, Parnell sure did give to his followers, particularly in fantasticly marvellous visuals and ideas of something that probably should have been made with a team of several talented programmers and artists, instead of just one person. AFAIK he also gave out demos to backers. But if this is how you feel about Josh Parnell, I won't even ask what you think about Chris Roberts... ;)
[1]: http://ltheory.com/faq.html