So what happens when these sorts of groundbreaking ideas get passed over for being too risky? Stagnation, my friends. The industry sinks into a pit of endless cloning, ripping off, sequel-ing, and worst of all, making mediocre licensed games based off TV shows and movies.

Fortunately, indie games are making their presence known in a big way. And indie games are not afraid to push boundaries. An indie game isn't generally expected to sell millions of units, so focusing on a tiny niche is okay for them. A completely bizarre idea can be fully explored by an indie developer without fear of losing bazillions of dollars. While the rest of the world is hopping on bandwagons, indie games pave whatever path they want to, often through uncharted territory.

Of course, this isn't to say that every big-name title is crap and every indie game is a piece of glorious art that will forever change the face of the industry. But current market trends could very well lead big-time publishers to close their doors to mind-blowing new ideas. In such an environment, indie games can truly thrive, bringing experiences considered risky or just plain weird. The major game companies may very well step aside and let the indies take all the risks for them.

My prediction: The gaming industry will teeter on the brink of stagnation, only to be miraculously saved by the brilliant indie game designers who are constantly pumping out ideas no big-name studios would take a chance on.

By Josh Wirtanen
CCC Freelance Writer

*The views expressed within this article are solely the opinion of the author and do not express the views held by Cheat Code Central.*