Ostriv, an 18th century city building game. I believe it is just the single developer based in Ukraine.
Live For Speed, this one isn’t quite “hidden” but is overlooked by many as it is not on any storefronts. Sim Racing history and still going strong today with the 3 original devs.
I do find it kind of odd that some people only play the latest sports games and nothing else. Also NFL Blitz on the Dreamcast is one of the best games and I’ve never watch a game irl.
They are all just ways to “do things I can’t in real life” though. I have no interest in murdering people but I enjoy driving and 18 wheeler across Europe or flying all around the world.
I tend to agree but then I also have moments where I get lost in the world for a few hours and it’s great. Death Stranding is probably my favourite where I walk everywhere and I spend an hour doing one delivery!
Subnautica is almost an outlier to the rule but the ocean triggers a phobia so I can’t play it. The Long Dark is probably the best example of a survival game with crafting that I do really like.
In general anything with crafting and/or excessive loot. I find it very boring and especially when a game is advertised as “survival” when in reality it is just a crafting game with no real threat.