"Aren't we kind of just using the word "mainsteam" or "niche" to mean "successful" or "unsuccessful" at this point?"
Depends on the use. I use them to refer to audiences. The more enthusiastic the fans, the more niche that audience is. Something that is made for them likely will not appeal to the mainstream.
The problem is if you assume the mainstream goes for the brand name, and not the elements that make the brand name mainstream. So if Rockstar was disappointed, they expected the name to sell millions, when it's the name plus the elements.
As we've seen with Mario, a larger audience prefers the 2D Mario to the 3D games, regardless of the brand.
A flashy-first game is awesome when it comes out. A great-first game is awesome forever.
Plus, just for the hell of it: Kelly Brook at the 2008 BAFTAs
