/vr/ - Retro Games

Slower means a broader audience because slower players can become good and suitability for dual analog controls on simple to operate consoles
WWII means slower firing weapons such as bolt action rifles and single shot rocket launchers
Saving Private Ryan was extremely popular with audiences and critics in the late 90s

Put them all together and you have a perfect storm where pic related happens. From there the shift to modern shooters taking placing in Afghanistan/Iraq is only natural, as proven by COD 4.

The death of the classic FPS hero was spurred by the death of his environment. When the game is ripping off a movie that (should have) won Best Picture, you can't have a fun protag, you need to be GRIM and GRITTY because GAMES ARE ART now,