It's no secret that has had a massive effect on and has been the entry point into the world of the TTRPG for many newcomers.
In a way, has had a similar effect on the community as, although Larian Studios' golden goose has proven to reach an even wider audience.
Many who have only ever heard of and been curious to try it can through, and while the game's quality may give some people too high an expectation for their home campaign, it is perfect as an entry point.
What isn't talked about as much is how great a job has done masking some of the recent controversy with. This is largely due to Larian's outlook and how the studio has become an industry darling.
It is also due to the game being greenlit years ago, back when Wizards of the Coast was practically a different company, and reflects that version of Wizards' mentality.