Before you create your video game think about what the gamers are buying. Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero are topping the sales charts against more sophisticated games like BioShock. Gaming is maturing from the solo gamer to the social gamer. The NY Times takes a look at why Mass Effect, God of War II, and Value's Orange Box aren't in the top 10.
"the growth in the now $18 billion gaming market is in simple, user-friendly experiences that families and friends can enjoy together."
"Nine of the 10 top-selling games of 2007 include a significant multiplayer component."
This past Christmas I discovered that 40% of the people I worked with had Guitar Hero III at home. It was one of the games I asked for this past holiday after playing it with some friends on the Xbox. After I got Guitar Hero III, the next day I bought the Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II double pack because I loved the game so much.