https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerbal_Space_Program
Its kinda shocking how many stupid people play this video game and assume that makes them some sort of astro-physics guru.
Its kinda shocking how many people use Kerbal as an argument for why they think they understand rocket science.
Playing Mario Bros won’t make you a master plumber, and playing Kerbal won’t make you an astronaut.
I was with you until you disparaged the Super Mario School of Plumbing by Osmosis.
Shame on you!
But seriously, yes, video games and popular entertainment have taken the place of rigorous scholastic achievement and critical thinking in the minds of a large portion of "above average intelligence people."
A secondary effect of the dumbing down of schools - not only are the dumb dumbs' and the normies' expectations lowered, but our best and brightest are, as a result, given an easier path and thus more free time to waste on frivolous pursuits.
TPTB's plans always seem to have multiple angles. Commendably insidious.
Edit: Not to say KSP is horrible, or all people who play it are midwits. I have a friend I respect very much who enjoys it quite a bit and doesn't let it get in the way of more substantiative endeavors.
On the other hand, he is definitely an outlier; the majority I know are mesmerized by, and addicted to, these "games".