Have we reached the golden age of gaming, 2015-2020 and beyond?

[Veknoid_Outcast]

I'd have to argue the opposite. I think we entered a period of decline starting around the beginning of the 7th gen, which has carried throughout the 8th and will probably worsen into the 9th and beyond. "AAA" gaming is far worse, with many big-name publishers adopting predatory practices. Western "AA" gaming seems to have shrunk considerably, although successes like Hellblade demonstrate a clever studio with a modest budget can turn a profit. Sony has taken a step backward in its focus on cinematic storytelling. Microsoft has taken a bigger step backward with its focus on services over discrete, finite game experiences. In general, many of the biggest names in the business aren't trying to bring new customers into the industry; they're simply trying to get the current customers to spend more.

There are some good things. Access to game development is incredibly easy, sparking a revolution in indie titles. There's a wider range of genres than ever before. Nintendo has been remarkably consistent, although even it has dipped its toes into a la carte gaming. There's a lot of potential in VR technology.

For me, the golden age of video game artistry and design covers the 4th, 5th, and 6th gens, so approximately 1991-2005.