Yeah, videogames serves escapism). But from my point of view, we, as a society, are deceived by stories mostly centered around success, which happens very seldom. In any competition the vast majority looses. But everywhere people cheers the victors, dreams of success, whereas vast majority of loosers are ignored at best and despised at worst. This is injust, doesn't represent the real statistics, and instilled into us the lust for personal success at all costs. Which directly lead us to a society of total social atomization and undisputed corporate reign.a) Because it's a video game and he's the PC.
b) He doesn't need to become a legend, really. It would have been perfectly fine to keep the story "small". Keeping the character alive is also a great way to open up fun DLC possibilities, and THERE you can open up the stakes to be huge and worthy of a "legend" status.