Where DRM, yearly sequels, and concept stagnation stop
I see a future where indie games show much more prowess because while previously, they required executive funding to get anywhere, now they get AHEAD because they have zero executive meddling. We've seen the increased popularity of alternate funding strategies in which companies like Wolfire and Mojang have customers buy a 10%-finished alpha version of their game as an investment, and sites like Kickstarter let you pitch an idea to ordinary people without needing to show anything. No publisher involved, none needed.
Now, the common response is "Yeah, but most indie games are just fun little ideas that hardly get anywhere. Some are interesting, but I wouldn't spend hours at night playing a clan match of Braid with my friends." This is true, though the industry has been finding ways of making games look aesthetically pleasing without breaking the budget. On small screens like the iPhone, graphics can be a little sub-par, or as long as you stick to strong primary colors, it could look "better" than some brown-filled AAA blockbusters. Plus, there's the rise of free to use, professional engines like UDK, Unity, and now CryEngine 3, and more games like Hawken wowing us through visuals.
The big companies are failing, but new areas of interest are pulling the rug out from under them. Medium, well-thought visuals are replacing cinematic HD visuals, while social networks like Facebook replace the many banner ads and paid reviewers that form a marketing department.
If you don't like the way CERTAIN GAMES (do NOT read: "gaming") are headed, look elsewhere. Maybe they weren't on a huge monitor at E3, but you'll find something awesome if you're looking hard enough. Who knows; with your support, you could bring an incredible indie tactical shooter to worldwide recognition (don't believe me? Counterstrike.)
(HOLY SHIT I TYPED A LOT)
