Pretty sure the “spirit” back then was just a combination of the same indie spirit as now and the moneymen selling low because they weren’t sure parents would be willing to buy that much, at the cost of the video game makers? Now, the money knows people like games and those owners exploit both the makers and the consumers.
But that doesn’t mean real craftspeople should give away their work for some vague artistic pride. Not even looking at what that same $35 dollars will get you today vs in the 80s or 90s.
This isn’t to castigate you, or anyone, waiting for price drops and sales. I do too. But saying all games are too expensive does not go.
They did it wrong. As a joke.