dunno how others think, but things like massive onlie gaming comunities, new controling methods and some big streaming technology (processing huge ammount of data very fast) are as fascinating as the flip to 3d was. i think we had quite a few major things in the last few years and the years to come will bring more and more.

talking about 200-500 faces and skinsize of less then 64px?!
i am using gamestudio today and this is still an issue. so i am stuck with the engine in the 90s i guess.

i dont think development has changed that much for indies. its still "take what you have and create the best out of it...somehow".

i dont thing the next "big breakthrus" will be visual anymore since we are almost there.
controls, physics, marketing and communication are the current topics and will change the upcoming games dramaticly and create all new gameplays.

maybe sooner or later we will be able to create virtual characters that can be implementet into any games as users.
so no given hero but always the same guy/girl playing different games and gaining experience. for example could you play need for speed and winning levels there will upgrade your character in gta or crysis when its up for driving something. learn flying in ms flightsim and master it while playing comanche reloaded.
comined with the ability to connect to other playrooms and games anytime to interact in one way or the other there as well while someone else is playing it ... X-play so to speak.

or we will just end up connecting high voltage batteries to our testicles and get punished for every mistake ... force feedback baby

cheers