I’m fairly sure it was Dota 2. Game released around 2013 and around 2015 or 2016, I think they came up with the battle pass which was shown as a way to support the pro scene directly and how every battle pass purchased would contribute to the prize pool for TI( The International which is the biggest tournament).

In the first year itself, the prize pool was a million dollars. Subsequent years have made it so the prize pool does not even need to be dependent on any kind of sponsors lol. In games like fortnite, halo, overwatch and apex the battle pass has become a funnel for more money into the game you’ve already paid for, for cosmetics and flexing, ultimately as in your case becoming more a chore rather than a fun gaming challenge.

One game I have seen this implemented correctly is Warframe with realistic time frames and easily achieved challenges and for unique skins and cosmetics, the designer is not only directly credited but also purchase would send a portion of money to them.

Pre ordering.