I don't think this is a new issue but with in sci-fi it seems like you cannot write a book anymore unless it's attached to some bullshit IP. star wars, Warhamme

I don't think this is a new issue but with in sci-fi it seems like you cannot write a book anymore unless it's attached to some bullshit IP. star wars, Warhammer, star trek, battletech, the list goes on. But it seems that people are unwilling to read a book, for example JG Ballard's Highrise, that has no connection to anything, introduces new characters whose stories will not continue ever onward. I think this dedication to IPs is like a warm blanket. You don't have to read the book to know what to expect from a star wars book.