Did not expect to get so many answers so quickly. Thank you all.

You're right. I often forget to take pride in my improvement. I think it's just that after all the theory and reading on capitalist exploitation, especially exploitation of vulnerable groups of people, I feel like I was still unable to prevent being subject to a business practice that more than likely targets and exploits people like myself.

Edit: also thank you very much for your comment

It's something you will never have to do a second time

I definitely appreciate this point of view

Haven't played yet and definitely don't plan on purchasing it at full price but I had a hint that it might be over hyped when I saw someone post a negative review and everyone in the comments told him to "go back to playing CoD." Seems like a lot of people frothing over this game never played NMS and I can guarantee this game won't have nearly as much added free content as NMS either. I'm okay with admitting that I like a game just cause it's fun to look at and that's what Starfield seems like it is, but you're out of your mind if you think I'm paying $70 for that.

I think a lot of fans are trying to convince themselves that their favorite AAA game studios are still making bangers and they're not.