pixel art is done (in a perfect modern world) with the same mindset as something like game maker
it isn't used because the creator is unwilling to put forth the effort to handle art (or in the case of game maker, programming), it's used because the creator is more proficient in other elements of game design. it's easy to mistake this for the former if you don't specialise in whatever elements those are.
if you're a programmer or a programming-centred team, you probably want to focus on programming, so a less time-consuming and easier approach to art is good, because that means you're less distracted from your area of expertise. this is exactly why minecraft's textures are pixel art style. notch's artistic abilities were limited, and he decided to spend more time working on the programming behind the game rather than hiring someone to do art or spending ages making the art himself.
if you're an artist or an art-centred team, you probably aren't going to want to learn C++ or something, so making your own engine or working with something that requires you to work with a great deal of lower-level code is unattractive, because that would be distracting from your goal.
if you have a team consisting p much exclusively of volunteers or internet community buddies, it's unlikely you'll be able to find someone capable or willing to make more professional artwork because it's more work for little more than a pat on the back.
however, it becomes a bit different when you're approaching a design element a particular way because of style. when you do this, you have to have justification for it. AVGN adventures or w/e is justified in having a pixel art style because of the subject matter. AVGN deals in retro games, so it makes sense that his game be in a 'retro style'. if your game is trying to get across an air of simplicity, a pixel art style may fit as well. but laziness is not a style.
if you choose a style or approach a design element because of laziness, it will show very obviously in more than just aesthetics or bugginess. the entire game will suffer ultimately, and that is the real test.
sorry for the word wall that i doubt most people will read
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