To answer the OP's question, I think it has become more of a big deal because once game companies got really big they got management that were business people. Back in the day game companies were run by a group of programmers and gamers that at many times were in it for the love of gaming as much as the money. Now that these corps are run by non gamers and shareholders the game industry has become about getting the most money out of gamers, regardless of whether it makes them happy or not.
Getting an XBOX One for me is like being in a bad relationship but staying together because we have kids. XBone we have 20000+ achievement points, 2+ years of XBL Gold and 20000+ MS points. I think its best we stay together if only for the MS points.
Nintendo Treehouse is what happens when a publisher is confident and proud of its games and doesn't need to show CGI lies for five minutes.
-Jim Sterling
