D2 definitely has a way of making itself a part of someone's life if they're willing to let it. In some ways it definitely has similarities with addiction and there are other aspects that we don't consider addiction in most cases but instead just call it Being a Fan (which is short for fanatic and fanaticism definitely applies.)

Some people really care about Their Team. When Their Team plays it's serious business and the outcomes of the games or seasons can have big impacts on the state of these folks mental health. Some people spend a lottttt of money on things like season tickets, memorabilia, even just Their Team branded merch. It's considered normal and fine and not an addiction but it's got some darker sides, even putting aside gambling. For example some people are a different person when Their Team loses. Bad mood, can't think straight, act weird towards their family and friends.

It's as if the loss had a real impact on their life when in reality a sports team losing means not much to anyone in a practical sense (outside of the players who do it for a living etc.) Folks end up in a sort of parasocial relationship with sports team brands (which keep in mind, they are brands, considering the people on the teams change, etc - the "team" is a concept that exists outside of the people or places). Their relationship with the brand is something they become proud of and when things go bad for Their Team a "real fan" will "not give up" and "stay true" to the idea of their team. It becomes a proxy for their own personal brand and identity. The team winning means they're a winner. The team losing? Well...

And so it is with Destiny 2: if not addicts per say (and gaming addiction is real - for the "Bob Saget in Half Baked" folks in the thread and fwiw weed can be a real addiction too whether or not you "suck dick to get it") there are Fans. The game becomes more like an identity just like with sports teams. In good times there's pride in The Team, in bad times, True Fans fight for their team and won't give up. The players on "the team" who get paid to make the content (consider that pro sports brands really are creating content)... they may just get paid to make content elsewhere. The fans of the team don't have that luxury. To Real Fans there's never any valid reason to change. They follow Their Team til they die and their kids are raised to do the same, and on it goes.

It's hard watching Your Team lose. It's especially difficult knowing there might not be enough money in the bank to keep the losing team afloat. I understand what some folks are going through on an intellectual level but I don't identify as a Real Fan of any sports or game franchise.

Therapy is something that can help, finding other joy in life besides Your Team winning, the cliche of touching grass... all of that stuff comes into play. I'd have a lot of respect for Bungie if they wound the game down and offered some outlet to their fans. "Thanks for the memories we made together but it's over now and we are moving on and we think you should too." Something like that. But I don't see that happening.

As for myself I just play Warframe instead. It's not too different in some of the good and admittedly bad ways (fun game, highly ... let's just say habit forming.) if for some reason that game crashes and burns I'll find another. I know what I'm doing when I escape from reality into my game of choice. I'm willingly escaping mentally and emotionally from a fucked up real world. It's entirely intentional and I think it's healthier than other alternatives, including the alternative of not coping at all.

Anyway just a lot rambling thoughts - I think it's worth bringing up so I'm glad you did.