PS2
Are we currently in a rut, or is there a chance for fresh ideas to emerge again?
Yes, and the problem is low standards. AAA games have resources, but no creativity. Indie games have creativity but no resources.
Back in the PS2 era, AAA games had resources and creators were making decisions instead of the people who went to business school.



The Xbox never should have existed.
Companies like Microsoft charge what they do so they can expand their empire, not to keep the lights on.