[Waterluvian]

There may be people in on it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's overwhelmingly just people defending their position. I've seen the exact behaviour I see at r/cryptocurrency in video games. No Man's Sky pre and post launch was exactly the same. Sensible people casting doubt on what it is you actually do with the game, being shouted down by those who are convinced it's going to be the greatest thing ever. Then lots of defensiveness against all the post-launch signals that it's a mess.

[c12]

People who have bought into something will become more entrenched in their views because doing otherwise will cause a "loss of face." It's understandable really, nobody wants to admit to being duped.

[Donzo]

The desire to remain consistent with one's previously established positions is one of the great psychological motivators:

https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busin...

People will often act against their own best interests to do so.

[jiggunjer]

Same with Trump? South Park recently had an episode titled "Doubling Down", which I find a good descriptor for this behavior.

[tarken]

you have a severe case of hindsight bias. nms has perhaps the most outspoken hatred of any game launch ever. heck how long ago did it come out? Year+? and you're still whining about it.