The main problem most of the time in Web3 I would say is that most games / Devs start from the basis of wanting to make money instead of actually wanting to make a game along with the fact that the earning dynamics for players and the need for a working economy come at the cost of fun.
Splinterlands I would say actually started from the drive to make a good game, once they found a formula that worked they just tried to copy it with GLX / Arcade Colony / Soulkeep / Moon Karts which is bringing forward too just low quality as they are more tools to potentially make money compared to games that aim to be the most fun.
You nailed it. Making a great game should be the first priority. If they did that, the money would follow. Starting with the goal of making money won't guarantee they'll make a game people will want to play.
I think you are right, I think making a fun and decent game should come first and then think about tokenising or whatever. With games, I am more interested to own my own assets and trade them if I want. Hopefully we might see this interoperability within all games at some point. Its amazing to consider people wont buy a new song released now, but will pay the same price if it has a funky dance and lasts just 10 seconds in Fortnite!