They feel homogenous and uninteresting, an extension of the same old AAA formula we've been playing since 2007. Yes, I know, the indie scene. But try as I might, I still find the vast majority of indie titles simply subpar in terms of quality and too fixated on gimmicks.

They "feel homogenous and uninteresting" ? Well that doesn't help ... 

Don't obsess over the hardware, there are games to be had on both platforms and plenty of new IP ...

I have thought on this and I honestly thought this is a bigger problem than people recognize.

Over the last couple years, we have seen the growth of two trends in "hardcore" gaming: the desire for open worlds and the desire for increased difficulty in games. Normally, I wouldn't say that trends in gaming like these are problematic even if they are annoyingly restrictive (third-person shooters, 3D platformers, and 2D sidescrollers all had their heyday). However, these two issues in conjunction are problematic. Open worlds are expensive and time consuming and high difficulty levels mean fewer people can play them. Consequently, video game developers are increasing their costs while reducing their revenue -- which, is, uh, not good. And I'll admit it, I have gotten tired of open worlds.

I guess the only way to explain it is that, graphical polish aside, I've encountered very few games this gen that would've been out of place in 2007. After so long, I guess I just hoped for a little more evolution than this.

Well considering I've had a blast playing Destiny, Dark Souls 3, and Fallout 4 in the recent months I would say not at all. Plus there's a new Mass Effect coming out sometime in the future, and I'm pretty sure that's going to be amazing as well.

Well, what is it ? 

Are you talking about the level design ? AAA games have never been bigger, more connected, more open or more intricate than they are now ... 

Is it about the game mechanics ? The reviewers have higher standards than they did before like Halo MCC, Uncharted NDC, Borderlands THC, GOW III, Dishonored DE, DMC 4 SE, AC Unity/Syndicate, GOW UE, COD Ghosts/AW/BLOPS 3, and Heavy Rain scoring lower than the previous games or initial releases ...

Is it the content ? Games now are just as long as they were last generation if not longer with game developers pushing more immersion into the new games ...

It's not just the cinematics or graphics that just evolved that you were led to believe, were you considerate of the other advances ? 

I have not noticed any meaningful improvement in level design, AI, or controls this generation.

What is "meaningful" supposed to mean ? 

Do you have to marginalize everything that the current generation brings to prove your point ? 

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Some people just enjoy more talking about games than actually playing games.

Dont feel weird if thats the case, but also don't blame gaming as a whole because of your lack of interest of the industry.

There are plenty of hobbies in the world for you to be interested in.

If you cant find interesting games in the PS4 catalog, i don't know what to say. There are literally hundreds of games to chose, if not thousands.

Thats as bad as the people that are waiting for (quote) a Miracle Gimmick (Unquote) for the NX.

The last thing that this industry needs is more gimmicks. But even then, there is that for anyone to chose from.

But to say that someone is losing hope in the industry is pretty silly imo.