I think a lot of people, and I'm noticing this in myself, don't have the time nor want to sit down for a dedicated playing session. There are so many distractions in life that it's almost possible to really put yourself into a videogame's story, and thus the whole story aspect becomes pointless.
There are a lot of reasons people are liking RPGs less and less. One of the biggest reasons is the Anti-Japanese sentiment. Like other buzz phrases developed this generation, WRPG and JRPG have spread across chat rooms like a plague. The idea that American RPGs like Morrowind and Mass Effect are superior to Japanese RPGs such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest is just silly. Were it not for Japanese companies, most nerds would still be in their basement playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Between classes and hanging out with friends, I don't feel like I really have the time to devote to a several hour RPG run. That doesn't stop me from playing Jeanne D'Arc while my buds are giving each other high fives over Call of Duty 4.
There are far too many distractions that destroy games requiring dedication. I have to pee. I want a new game. My hot pocket is done cooking. I need to do some work. My friend wants to go to the movies. My rabbit just had diarrhea. And more.
Fighting games are the best of all worlds and it's probably the most underrated genre on Earth.
