If you care so much about XP and leveling, at least incorporate it better!

So it sounds like he's addicted to the XP-grind. I get that, I've been there. The problem is when you start to think every game needs a player-progression mechanic like that, and when you can't imagine any different ones.

This dude subverted his supposed magnum opus because he became dependent on the dopamine release of 'numbers go up' and mining and crafting and shit. It became a faded, passionless patchwork of rote addiction and half-formed ideas. That's sad.