I think hardcore gaming is just one of those pasttimes.
Back "in the day" when games, PC games, were exclusive to people who were computer savvy. Because it took something beyond basic computer knowledge to install, run, and operate said games. Your parents (ok, well my parents) didn't use the computer much beyond it being a glorified calculator for bills, taxes, and hooker money allotment per month.
What has happened is games got cool. Really cool.
Great graphics that appeal to anyone. Awesome sound effects that "Woah!" people.
Our little secret is out. Games are cool. Now everyone knows it.
As a result, developers and publishers are going to cater to the larger market. Games is a business now. It's not a hobby. Companies like ID and Apogee aren't run in parents garages anymore. They're in big ass buildings which require money to pay the rent and to keep the appletini fountain in the executive bathroom flowing delicious gay-man drinks.
On occasion, someone will have an innovative idea. We'll be lucky if this someone will be in a position to share, apply and distribute that idea.
The Wii was one of those ideas. It's only a matter of time before you see that applied to present or future consoles across the board.
Back on the PC front... MMORPG's, which I now only classify as MMOG's (EQ killed the RP star) we're flooded with clones of EQ. I've talked about this to death so I'll spare you all my flibber flabber on the matter and say that Darkfall is highly anticipated for a good number of gamers. Hopefully enough to show Adventurine/Razorwax that yes... we are looking forward to this and yes, please don't shut off the servers.
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