Because nearly everyone is talking about sex and are simping for the companions. So what does that tell other developers? That they just need to add sex and characters specifically made for sex appeal and "attractiveness", checking off various preferences on a list and they are good. No need to invest much resources in writing and storytelling. This will sadly be the near future of RPGs. Sure there will still be PG13 RPGs without sex (although they too will likely create their NPCs in a way to allow for simping/thirsting) but the flagship AAA RPGs will probably all go into this direction.
Not sure I agree totally with the sex part but certainly I agree with the companions and relationships part. Larian didn't start this but RPGs are on the slippery slope of dumbed-down, pap for the masses, lowest common denominator tripe. The direction the D&D rules are going in is part and parcel of this.
