it is easier, but imo it happened more with the move to 3D, and then the move to regenerating health from health packs.
That doesn't mean we're devoid of hard games though, and I think offering really easy modes is good for the industry as long as they give the option. For instance, Uncharted, Dead Space's, New Vegas Etc are not easy on hard, but very easy on easy.
I do think they should invest into hard mode, it enhances replayability. For instance in the Witcher a hard mode mod is only beatable if you understand a lot of mechanics within the game. Too many games now have cool ideas with mechanics, but then Fail to implement them so you have to understand the system fully.
Assasins Creed is an easy game even for now. And it really should have something in it to make them harder.
