[DarkMaster]

I think that as the next generation of games really start to hit their potential of what is capable of being displayed on screen, we're going to see a fairly drastic change in the way most video games are made. At the pinnacle of this new generation, we are going to see titles that not only look, but also play realistically, in terms of both physics and emotional depth. Once we hit that point where every single game looks phenomenal, we will no longer be able to base judgements around looks and visual appeal in terms of graphical quality.

It'll be like looking at pictures of upcoming movies, where 90% of titles look the same and 10% or less feature a boldly distinctive artistic style. In the next 5-7 years, you're going to see a huge, huge recruiting blitz, as game development companies strain and fight for artistic talent. Developers are going to come upon a harsh realisation once they figure out that, aside from game design (which you cannot display in preview pictures), the only way they're going to be able to make their titles standout is by creating a unique and authentic visual style.

When you look at games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Yoshi's Island, Wind Waker, or Okami, what you're seeing is a kind of timeless graphical style, one that years from now you can look back on and not think "ew, jagged edges, rough textures, pixelation, etc.". Games like these ones will always look good, becuase they look exactly how they should look.

So I guess the question was; is graphical quality in games imporant? And the answer is yes, but only when the visuals heighten the experience.