system
A chat on subreddit /r/pcmasterrace
human
I think a greater issue is on the social expectation end. AAA developers are so wrapped up in the bottom line and 'breaking the mold' that they seem to dive too deep into the graphic quality and visual effects. Storylines are becoming more often recycled and a lot of characters these days feel like a rookie CSI:SVU actor that has to make sure their dialogue is full of zingers. 

Indie work is the future of the gaming industry because they still make games like the good old days. A few passionate small teams clacking away at keyboards surrounded by takeout containers and co-workers that actually play the games they make. 

AAA devs do it because of money, but the best do it because they care. You can look at microtransactions to learn all you need to know
gpt
Yes, except that there are thousands if not millions of indie games that are complete shit. It's like thinking that music was better in the 60s. There's plenty of crap that just doesn't make it through the filter into popular consciousness. They're all out there, you just don't remember them. There are also plenty of incredible AAA titles, in some ways more than ever before.

Most AAA devs (like gaming PMs) adore games and what they can do, and that's why they stay. The money is easily better outside of gaming.