The first part of this post is a really good one that I agree with strongly - the goal of modern games is experiential and immersive. Which is cool, and I dig, but you're right in that there are alternatives being left unexplored by AAA companies.
I do know people with the title of "game designer" at most of the big names, though, so that bit of your post falls flat for me.
I do know people with the title of "game designer" at most of the big names, though, so that bit of your post falls flat for me.