One thing that struck me the most was "People are just here to satisfy their egos and seek validation." Perhaps I am included. What are my simple, silly little goals if not my personal ego, given that I will never be a full-time game developer? Not that I am interested in becoming one.

My writing for interactive stories is just a hobby that I have taken seriously and given meaning to in order to keep sane while juggling my real-life responsibilities. My mistake was projecting the standard I set for myself onto others.