Compared to what time frame? The annual sports games have been terrible for over a decade. Basic open world games have been around for just as long, though they’re more prevalent now.

From my perspective, there’s been a small but steady trickle of good games for decades. Recent AAA games that pushed the boundaries are Elden Ring and Baldurs Gate 3, and they would not have been possible at their scale back in the day.

I don't know. In hitman I can disable all the hints and it's quite a challenge to get a good time.

Also plenty of mil Sims available if you are into multilayer.

There are still older less dumbed down AAA games to play. AAA does not mean "brand new."