Used to be, for me at least, Permadeath was a rare thing. My own introduction to the concept came from the GBA Fire Emblem games, though I know it was around long before that point. Still, back then, I can't remember anybody ever advertising it. It was the sort of thing that was just in certain games, and that was that.

Then, way later when the latest Fire Emblem came out, I started to notice a lot of places had begun advertising the fact that they had it. Now, this might just be because there's been a sudden resurgence in Roguelike games and whatnot, but it just seems like there have been a bunch of games advertising the fact that they included it.

Therefore I ask, has Permadeath become a buzzword?

I don't really think so. Maybe you're just into the types of games which don't traditionally feature a permanent death mechanic.

Or maybe I'm way into games with permadeath.

No, it's just a good way to say "hey this game has permadeath."