What is a gimmick? Are gimmicks really negative to the industry?

[Raven]

Ka-pi96 said:
That definition described it pretty well. Things like motion controls, kinect, gamepad, PS eye etc are gimmicks, they were intentionally made to try and bring in extra attention and a new audience.

They can be good for sales, so that at least is a good part about them. But yeah, I hate gimmicks, I want things that appeal to the existing audience rather than things meant just to pull in people that weren't really into gaming.

The definition of a gimmick would include innovations like shoulder buttons, analog sticks, analog triggers, and controller rumble as well. Not all gimmicks are a bad thing if they're used properly.