It's a shame but people shouldn't be surprised about this. Everything increased during the pandemic so businesses tried to keep up and expand (to make as much money as they could) and now things have fallen back down to earth, hard.
Ostriv, an 18th century city building game. I believe it is just the single developer based in Ukraine.
Live For Speed, this one isn't quite "hidden" but is overlooked by many as it is not on any storefronts. Sim Racing history and still going strong today with the 3 original devs.
I do find it kind of odd that some people only play the latest sports games and nothing else. Also NFL Blitz on the Dreamcast is one of the best games and I've never watch a game irl.
They are all just ways to "do things I can't in real life" though. I have no interest in murdering people but I enjoy driving and 18 wheeler across Europe or flying all around the world.
I tend to agree but then I also have moments where I get lost in the world for a few hours and it's great. Death Stranding is probably my favourite where I walk everywhere and I spend an hour doing one delivery!
Subnautica is almost an outlier to the rule but the ocean triggers a phobia so I can't play it. The Long Dark is probably the best example of a survival game with crafting that I do really like.
In general anything with crafting and/or excessive loot. I find it very boring and especially when a game is advertised as "survival" when in reality it is just a crafting game with no real threat.
Some games that have stuck with me over the years. Not quite masterpieces but in my opinion are great games that don't get enough recognition.
Devil Dice, puzzle game for the PS1.
Hotel Dusk Room 215, adventure game for the Nintendo DS.
Red Steel & Red Steel 2, Wii games that used the motion controls. RS2 was especially fun and absolutely nailed the controls with the motion+ upgrade.
Every storefront is DRM, some better than others, and people shouldn't get so tied to a specific one. PC gaming is so open and getting angry at this is pointless.
It will be because of the "First Run" deal that Epic offers, so you'll get to play in 6 months. I don't blame the studio for doing it though but it's not ideal for some.
I wouldn't even call myself a football fan but the management part if very fun. Currently in the 6th tier and working on promotion.
Circuit Superstars
I bought the Switch Version so I can just pick up and play whenever and so far it is very good. It's a nice mix of arcade racing with some realistic parts like pit stops and tyre wear. Hopefully online racing is still populated so I can give that a go.
I'm pretty sure it was Paperboy on one of those Tiger Handhelds. Looking them up now brings back memories.
https://www.retrohandheldgames.com/tiger/paperboy-1356