Photorealism is the way forward because it is boring and uncreative, just like the majority of people who buy games. In short, "Financial Success" is a euphemism for "giving people what they want" and people get what they deserve, so, yeah, Photorealism is the right direction.
Who cares about artistic pretentions? Games are not art; it just takes artistic ability to polish them.
Who cares about artistic pretentions? Games are not art; it just takes artistic ability to polish them.