From wikipedia:
Spec Ops: The Line was a commercial failure, selling less than anticipated by Take-Two.[96] The sales of Spec Ops: The Line, combined with Max Payne 3, was lower than the combined sales of L.A. Noire and Duke Nukem Forever.[e] The low sales of the title contributed to Take-Two’s disappointing financial results in fiscal year 2013.[97]
Critical success means little if it isn’t coupled with financial success. These companies are making the decision to ignore the politics so they can have a better shot at financial success.
This should not be a surprise to anyone.
Like the movie business, there are going to be games that put the politics up front and there will be games that don’t. But to suggest that all games that have guns, or a modern setting, must do so seems harsh.
I mean do you really think cutscenes where Duke Nukem thinks about the nature of violence or about how that girl could be someone’s daughter would make it a better game?