Are Modern Games Being Dumbed Down?

Of course they're being dumbed down. Since the time the consoles became popular, the 'Casual Gamer' demographic has been the dominant one over the 'Hardcore Gamer,' - no longer is difficulty a priority among the new games released, neither is novelty. Most developers, especially those that are under obligations to distributors, will focus their efforts and design choices to make games more 'accessible' to newer, more casual, players - so that it will sell as many copies as possible.

So, is there a reason to not continue making the same game over and over?(Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Medal Of Honor, Elder Scrolls) No, there is not. Casual gamers have almost minimalistic standards when it comes to improvement in games - so as long as it looks good, it WILL sell. They have other things to worry in life.

Oh, and if you actually demand artistic effort from your developers - you have no choice but to wait until some ambitious company, like CDProjekt, releases a beautiful game like Witcher or Witcher 2. Until then, either buy your Call of Duties or you don't, personally I can't stand them.