If your gonna do a game by yourself you definitely have to be conservative and realistic. And have a genuine idea. Doing this for 10 years with nothing to show can be a little depressing. But then again, what else is there to do? Go out with friends? Get a girlfriend? Have a life? And yes, the gaming industry is a giant pissing contest. Farcry 3 looks incredible but I bet they will make they're bread and butter licencing the engine.