I would posit that as falling within the bounds of what I called "refinement". Though perhaps, upon reflection, evolution might not necessarily be refinement, per se. But in that instance I would argue it is. It is a refinement in that it allows the player more immediate control over and thus understanding of his field of play.
I agree that games are more than pushing graphics and hardware. Peripherals and dual analog are hardware, yes? Gameplay genres are pretty much exhausted, though, as far as what would reasonant as a good game, much as story plots that would reasonate as a good read are.
To a point I agree, but I'm always playing games and thinking about ideas and concepts, [Personally I want Arena Fighters to finally take the limelight]. As far as genres go, it's easy to label most things, but it doesn't necessarily mean it has to play like other games with the same label, ya know?
I'm still waiting on Star Fox Assault 2 with huge maps, Gamepad commands and air strikes. Improved weapons, movement and combat. lol
But seriously. I look back at a lot of games from the past two decades, and even some games today and I think there's so many ways we can push the medium.
Before Miyamoto, using physics like in Super Mario Bros. was damn near unheard of.
I didn't believe an action game could work on a touchscreen until I played Ninja Gaiden Dragon sword.
I didn't know Alien Soldier existed. I guess I can define it as a Boss Rush game, but it still blows my mind even to this day.
Not many people know Osman is a better game than Strider on so many levels.
Games like Psychic Force exists and Taito's not even touching it, despite it's potential.
Old arcade titles and gems are a goldmine of gameplay approaches that are filled to the brim with inspiration.
Lost Planet fed me to a fuckin Salamander with spiders inside it's belly and shat me out.... and it was glorious.
Hell I didn't think 3D 4player platforming could truly be a thing then 3D World happened.
[Which proves that perhaps refinement is evolution.]
But the point I'm making is, there's so much more to be created.
[Oh and am I one of the few who were impressed by Shenmue? I mean seriously there still isn't any games like it on that depth of interaction with the environment. I believe so many mystery games and dramas could learn from it.]
Final: Damn.... and we still [and may not ever] Have a console Kyle Hyde game.