We do it all the time here. GotY awards, Metascores, sales, user scores, discussions etc...It's obviously not a science but the amorphous blob known as "gamers" seems to assign quality in a certain way.
The 3 games I listed as being examples of SP titles with more depth and longevity than most are Rimworld, Terraria, and Stardew Valley. I think all 3 games were made by a combined total of 3 people.
Budget and resources have very little to do with quality game design.
Right, which is why looking at SP games that have longevity is more beneficial to the discussion.
Exactly, mechanics that run their course in a few hours are bad mechanics. We need to start holding these games accountable for the cheap Chinese food they actually are.
Minecraft is a Mt Rushmore videogame. Show some ***damn respect!
(Hope you like Deadwood! A TV show so good that 3 seasons and a movie was not nearly enough...lol)
Get it? Because length X quality = good.