Products like AA exist out there and much better, but removing the NSFW content. However, this mechanic and gameplay exists in other games that delve deeper into it. KK and HS focuses on NSFW content in a way, rapid consumption and sexual arousal, which is how porn is defined after all.
Someone who plays games like KK or COM3D2 is looking for a way to create their own dolls, figurines, and sexual fantasies (mostly thanks to modders). That's something that only this type of game can offer, and it's what most people like: creating and customizing.
Normally, if you're looking for an easy fap, you go to porn. If you want a dating sim that can delve deeper into relationships and characters, it certainly won't contain pornographic content. At most, mild romantic-oriented sexual content (such as CD Projekt RED games).
It's not about old or new players, but about knowing how to exploit a genre. To be honest, AA2 was very good, but there are games of the same genre that exploit it better, just by approaching them in a different way.
Together BnB was on the right road, but its delays in updating are abysmal and interest has plummeted to the point of seeming like a scam. We will see what studies come in the future.
This is all correct(especially the bit of customization), but I think you didn't understand what I would mean by old and new players, because it definitely is a real part of this modern gaming era..
it's not that old players were better or more into deeper gaming per say.. but it is the case in the end, because society continues to advance in that direction.. fast, fast, fast, no one has time..
so they play CoD and stuff like that..
people didn't become like they are on their own, society and companies going after money and nothing else.. they are the cause..
if companies changed their goal and tried to make amazing games again that take effort and learning, then the customer base would drop off and only what I call the 'true gamer' would mostly buy the games..
no company with a brain would do this now that they know they can get away with low quality, high graphics, quick gameplay..
it's sad but it's true.. that great game era has almost ended, with the exception of a few good studios/companies
and Indie DEVs..
with that said, I've even changed over the years and it's society that changes us without us even realizing it because it's such a slow and constant effect over time on us..
I HATED casual games 10 years ago.. I MUST have depth, and amazing systems.. and innovation.. explore amazing worlds..
..and then I started having tons of trouble finding these qualities in games..
(on a side note, I never looked down on casual gamers though)
now, I still want and look for those things, but I believe my subconscious eventually realized that I had to make a compromise.. or I would never have a game that I could enjoy.. it's a bit sad, but reality is what it is..
..anyways, if it's over explained, my bad.. but I mostly think what you said was pretty accurate in the end.