I hear about most games through rule 34 of their characters before people discuss the actual games. I learned about Bioshock Infinite, Nier Automata, and Fate from smut. I've never played a MGS5, but I know about Quiet. I've never played Apex, but I know about Wraith. I found SCP through rule 34 of that invisible furry who follows you around.

Rule 34 is an integral part of fandoms, as sex is an integral part of life that is often not depicted in media. It's rarely realistic and often not true to the characters, but it will always exist.