That type of quality is what lacks in programmer's world
, true, but gameplay > graphics .
Just think of DOOM... It's fun. It's really fun! I have more fun playing doom than playing COD (>2) But what happens if indies combine Graphics and Gameplay?
I know. product is the game, the video of the editor is just for those who have not seen it in old thread (it shows the editor in 2009). moreover it is a good example: if you make your own game specific editor, you can achieve more easily - and finally faster - what you want. and later can use it for further games, by continuous development of the same editor. sometimes it is enough to customize an existing game editor by plugins, sometimes requires a totally new one.
But what happens if indies combine Graphics and Gameplay?
, yes but most indie developers dont have enough resources (read time and cash) to get both perfect. So you will have to prioritize. I dont say it is wise to ingnore the graphics side entirely as a programmer, I just think gameplay has more priority than grahpics.
One solution for the lack of resources to create great graphics (high poly, high resolution, lots of detail etc.), is to be creative with the art style. Many good indie games have a great art style and so still deliver nice eye candy (nomnom). Though this is easier said than done ofcourse.
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, impossible for non super programmers or 3D artists)