Spore Gameplay Video - Google Video
Along the lines of development in technology, I thought I would mention this game - Spore. The game I previously mentioned - "core" - I believe has a lot of the same mechanics. Spore is being designed by Will Wright.
What is interesting about this game is the process of development and how it is placed in the hands of the player. There is a certain streamlining of growth it seems towards larger and larger civilizations, but it would be hard to find fault with that.
To me, this represents next-gen gaming more so than the graphic capabilities of the newly arriving console systems. Gameplay, studies of development, and enhanced communication between people are where the next generation lies.
People are ultimately interested in people. Any technology that facilitates the bridging and exchange of ideas and reflects the processes already occuring in nature is more likely to be embraced by society.
