I see people saying "work" and "earn" and invest." Are they playing a game or a career? I mean if that's their bag that's their bag. I just can't wrap my head around it. It's make-believe for enjoyment. If you're worried about your return of investment on a free bootleg game, remember you have the power to decide how much time and effort you actually invest. Maybe taking it easy and enjoying the game in new ways will be helpful to not feeling like you've sunk a real cost in to a leisure activity. Leveling up isn't the same as getting a promotion at your job.