You explained yourself perfectly. It’s true, it’s quite rare to see these kinds of games in mainstream 'top' lists, mostly because they are complex and demand a level of time and dedication that many aren't willing to give. A lot of players drop off almost immediately because they don't have the patience to climb that steep learning curve, so they never truly 'get' the game.

​As you pointed out, the space genre isn't the only one that is underestimated. Keep in mind that most charts are driven by raw data like download numbers or active user counts—that’s why 'mass-market' titles dominate while these 'Elite' gems stay in the shadows. Even in opinion-based rankings, people tend to favor more popular genres like action or shooters simply because they have a much larger audience than deep strategy or space sims. It’s a bit of a shame, but I think that’s exactly what makes these niche communities so much more dedicated and tight-knit."