for those wondering how I know all this is (probably, no confirmed) the case, I'm a game developer and basically made a game like this with the same intentions in mind a year and a half ago, knowing what I did and the corners I cut, I was able to see clearly what it was. I'm ashamed of making what I did, all for the money. It definitely was not good and I regret it, but it ended up helping me later on. I will still support this developer, sometimes everyone makes mistakes! That's why stuff like cancel culture is bad, and obviously if you enjoyed the game there is nothing wrong with that! Have fun with it, that's what games are supposed to do!
to the developer, keep making games!
have a nice day!