tbh, make-your-own-games software has been around for decades, most of which much simpler than creating a "real" game - Roblox comes to mind first and foremost, but it goes as far back as ZZT.

They don't need to impress a parent/teacher/peer, life kinda sucks if you search for or need external validation. Especially if, as you say, someone's own creation is overshadowed by something 100x shinier.