What I mean by "random" isn't finding a sword in a barrel. "Random" as in, you slay the dragon, you get good loot. Which items? Well, roll against the tables. If that's not what D&D5e is doing these days, I'd like to know. Ultimately, not a deal breaker either way. You can still get an item that has a history attached to it (e.g Sting).
5e still have loot tables.
I think people are blowing this random items a bit out of proportions. The Divinity games have unique items that are always on the same character, merchant, hidden place or chest. These usually have a lore description too, although not as long as some of the items in older games. Some even get referenced in books in game or by NPCs.
These game also have a Diablo itemization system and shower you with "magical" gear that are mostly useless, but the gameplay of BG3 have shown none of that and enemies loot looks low level D&D appropriate so far.
