I would like to see better rpgs out there with more options and stuff. Maybe more realistic landscape like no boundaries.

I think that we should expect more AI applications, up to the point where a game AI would define the game parameters, set within BROADLY-outline constraints by the designers, allowing for multiple scenarios in a single point [fe. many alternative scenarios with a single NPC].

Game Engines are the driving force behind the success or failure of any game. A handful of games were able to survive on game pla alone.

Don't get me wrong, there will always be a game that redefines what is successful and what is not, and doing that with out an expensive over the top game engine [ie The Sims, etc] but these will be far and few between as time goes on.

Gamers expect improvements in all areas with each game release, if a game takes too long to develop, by the time it is release, it is behind what is at the time industry leading technology.

How many times have you read a review which said that we have seen this, done that, there is nothing new in this game that has been done million time before. Even the graphic engines for RPG games are expect to improve with each release.

I guess, the game industry will have to learn how to release titles in shorter periods of time. This will have to be combined with a reduced unit price in the stores [as about 60-70 % of the price you pay is kept by the store !!!!!! ]

So we'd be looking at game sales via internet download or direct CD mailing--that way the income goes to the company/publisher, rather than the retailer.

But then, its the retailer that does a lot of advertising...

How to solve the conflict??

The retailer does the advertising in their shop window or general shop advertising. ie catalogues or something.

It is the publishers job to get the game specific ads on the TV or bus stops.

I home the games on internet (ie amazon) simply fall in price.
They are able to undercut any highstreet shop as they lower overheads, but by keeping their prices just below those of shops, they still get maximum profit.

The Unreal-engine owners [Epic] also ask for a cut of your profits when using their code...

I think retailers will strongly resist attempts to move completely to online buying. That is one of the problems with the phantom, will stores push or even carry a system that completely cuts them out of the software sales? Also, I am sure a lot of people go to stores to browse. Online sales seems to me to be more for people who already know what they want. It don't think it is too good for just browsing.

But trhe online culture can only grow in size and get more complex.

Whenever I teach a class I tyry to instill in the students a FUNDAMENTAL behaviour--whenever you DONT know something--type the word/phrase/concept into yahoo.com and see what comes out.
As such actions become instinctive and people "blend" with the online virtual world, online sales/rentals will shoot through the roof.