Now if only CDPR would eliminate their crunch work environment, and release games when the DEVS say it’s ready.

If you can’t afford advertising the game prior to launch, just don’t. That’s where for example Bethesda saved a ton of money. Released “complete” games within 1-3 months of the first announcement. (Do mind I’ve lost all hope in Bethesda)

In other hand, over-promising in terms of what’s actually currently out is fine. The issue is when you …

1. Don’t have the devtime. (Board releasing the game way before it’s ready, because marketing is so damn expensive, and the stockholders want it now not later)
2. Don’t have the skill. (Which means re-training all your employees constantly)
3. Don’t have the work morale. (Which leads to talent bleed, further exaggerating point 2.)