i've realized just how comparatively hard it is to get existing friends into splatoon after introducing a friend to it
games like valorant, overwatch, paladins, pretty much every game i play with friends is free to play
these have in game voice chat, easy to understand menus, and feel designed around playing with friends
splatoon meanwhile has a $60 price tag, no voice chat, doesn't have any support for discord,
and instead of having a menu the game drops you into the hub world after beating the tutorial
i feel like these other games are made with the idea that you bring your friend group into it and so they lower the barrier to entry as low as possible
splatoon in comparison feels like a game that you make friends through playing and joining the community.

i think this helps splatoon stand out and makes it more unique, and creates a dedicated community of players.