8+ years isn't enough to develop a single game? Yeah, sure. I'm sure people who have no idea how much easier game development has become will buy that excuse. These days, even a complete beginner can open Unreal Engine, start a new project, and, with the help of modern tools, create a visually impressive, realistically lit environment in a week or so. A month, tops, if they're learning from scratch.
Let's stop dancing around the issue. I didn't force them, or anyone else, to make lofty promises. I didn't set unrealistic expectations. I'm not the one making claims I lack the time, resources, or skills to deliver on. That's all on them.
As a small developer myself, I'm fully aware of my limitations, and more importantly, I take responsibility for them. That's why I wouldn't promise a "top-down squad tactics + deck-building roguelike" like Helius, or an "open-world adult RPG" like Steve, unless I was absolutely sure I could follow through. And if I ever did overpromise, I'd fully expect to be called out for it, because that's how accountability works.