I feel a little bit regretful that I became a programmer in an era when technical achievement doesn't usually translate to meaningful improvements in video game

I feel a little bit regretful that I became a programmer in an era when technical achievement doesn't usually translate to meaningful improvements in video game size/complexity/visuals. The games created today at AAA studios who employ hundreds and are constantly pushing the envelope only end up looking, subjectively, maybe 10% better than tiny indie games that run in Unity and have decent art direction. For most of us, there aren't meaningful limitations to be inspired by anymore.