I personally like it when a developer not only takes their time to support each entry of a big franchise (through patches and updates), but gives a long amount of development time for each new entry. One example is The Elder Scrolls, where we've seen two entries this generation, IV (at the beginning of the generation) and V (towards the end). Each game received several patches and post-release content, as well as a long enough development time to implement a new engine (from Gamebryo to Creation Engine) between each game.
As a big-time basketball fan, I really wish that 2K staggered their releases more (and relied on patching, even if the new content patches had a price), instead of simply releasing a new game each year with the same engine (albeit tweaked). I currently buy a particular sports game once every two or three years because I'm not a fan of yearly releases.
I also like it when a developer is given the freedom to attempt something different, instead of having to make a new entry of their known franchise. For example, I like how Naughty Dog is able to develop an entirely new IP (The Last of Us), rather than only working on Uncharted 4.
