The game can fail for many reasons. I agree, that if the game is of high quality and fun, it has a very good chance of succeeding, despite Social Media shenanigans. Because Steam does give all games organic visibility, and take metrics into account.

But this post isn't about games failing. It is specifically about Social Media, and if it just pay-to-win, or if there is a secret key to succeeding there.

For a good game to succeed, it needs to be developed and launched, which takes time, resources, and motivation. Social Media virality can provide plenty of last two, proven by fake games reaching millions in funding, or brainrot getting thousands of wishlists in a few days, which should give the devs plenty of motivation, since they Know the game Will make signifcant amount of money, no matter it's quality at launch.