Oh and Minecraft is a great game. The graphics aren't important which some AAA developers could learn something from. Graphics are nice but if the game-play sucks why bother?
What's in the water across the pond anyway? Perhaps it's all the hatchback cars.

The biggest problems I see with "modern" gaming are...
#1. Money
Game developers now are only in it for the money. Yes yes I know this is how capitalism works, but come on some of the serious DICK moves publishers and developers have done lately in the name of the dollar is really sad.
#2. Consoles
The current gen consoles are BLOODY behind the times technologically speaking.
#3. Publishers only want to put out sequels.
This isn't completely true but it is a trend. There's a lot of IP and Genre's that are all but ignored by the gaming industry now, because shooters, RPG's and MMO's are making all the money.