Yeah but that’s the problem isn’t it? Why are more toxic games like the PvP centric ones some much more successful with sometimes even less content?
Because PvP is basically infinite free content for people who like the game loop. I’ve had friends who love that sort of thing and they can play forever because they’re putting their skills against real people who aren’t just basic AIs.
Chess has been played for ages with no dlc. Competition against another person is engaging on its own. And chess is a good deep game on its own.
Combine competition with a good game and you get a successful infinite live service game in theory.
Only one or the other and you get a flash in the pan.