Respawn is really cleaning house (another game canceled)

Not just them. Ubisoft cancelled some games too.

Gaming is now to the point developers understandably do not want to take risks.

Risks meaning developing innovation of gameplay mechanics or something away from the standard. Some games get like low steam rating and must be hard on them after 3 years of development.

So people go less overhead, minimal effort for greater returns. BR games, just couple of low texture maps. PvP so no AI development required as no PvE element. Throw in some store stuff which won't be pay to win. If it isn't a success then haven't lost much in time. Graphically BR games are low textures, no detail required. Then graphical assets are re-used to create new maps.

BR games churning out. Hope the trend changes in future.