The problem being, AAA game development is hit driven enough that a common publishing strategy is blockbuster tentpole or bust. Many of the games produced are

The problem being, AAA game development is hit driven enough that a common publishing strategy is blockbuster tentpole or bust. Many of the games produced are fine games, and some even sell well, but may not match the (possibly extremely overoptimistic) financial forecasts. So, "flop" is probably pejorative. It does fit what the business reaction seems to be to some of these games, but that may be a problem originating with something other than the game.