Making a game that sells is not just hard - it's heartbreaking. The industry faces higher costs, fragmented audiences, overwhelming releases, and hit-driven markets. Veteran creators lose jobs, proven teams get turned away, and new voices struggle despite doing everything "right." The cruelty extends to online mockery of failed projects. Even following the playbook can't guarantee success, as sacrifices often lead to lost homes and broken families. Games are human art, not just business, and this brutal season is breaking good people.