The trend you are describing is not just common to the gaming industry. It's become pervasive throughout western society, especially in the US. I'm much older than the standard gaming demographic because I've loved board and electronic and now PC (and some console) games all my life. I also do things like shop for food, clothes and other essentials. Many of you may not be able to relate to this but you wouldn't believe the difference quantitatively, and in some cases qualitatively, in the products we buy today vs those of yesteryear. You would be amazed at the extent to which the public is being ripped off. The size and/or quality of everything from your PC games and what you play them on, to the size and content of the snack foods you eat while doing that has gone down. At the same time, the prices have all gone up...except for one. The relative price of labor. If you wonder why so many people seem to be on edge, or over reacting to minor difficulties and confrontations, there's one of the big answers. Just look at a common item like a hamburger from McDonalds. How many of you are aware of the difference in size, quality and price between now and say.....1975? Look into that and you will see what I mean.