There used to be a lot of cards based on same or similar chips, but with small differences. That made little changes to drivers common. It’s a bit like LCD modules or audio chipset quirks. One driver with tons of little differences depending on what each manufacturer decided to do differently.
You can only compress data to some extent. You could see if any of the files are encoded in an older or less efficient codec than what you have. Transcoding does introduce some distortion, but usually not too bad for utility use like learning material.
The other option is to get rid of some data. Delete some of the files. Use a (non-recompressing) editor to clip out parts you don’t need. Transcode with lower resolution and/or bitrate/complexity.
It all depends on what you have and what you’re able and willing to do with it. There is no universal silver bullet to get you more storage space. Other than actually getting more storage space.
I think that there is a massive gap between competitive sports (almost inherently toxic) and massively online games (juvenile masses combined with lack of moderation) and, for example, speed running and challenge games or tabletop and board gaming which are all likely to be more wholesome and positive even if there is a competitive angle.
There is probably more visibility on the first side. Maybe because that’s where the money is. And I very much agree that this was a nice story and I hope there will be more of this kind of inspiration shown in public.