Adding a "click to start the experience" button changes the experience. In particular, some users might not see the button if it's subtle, and be unimpressed or think the site is broken. And if the button is not subtle that's bad too.

It's also annoying to have to do such a change to your art for a single browser.

Overall I think the artist's frustration is understandable, but I agree "destroyed" is perhaps too strong a word.