A lot of us at Operation Sports, myself included, are quick to point out that our favorite video game genre is sliding toward obscurity. Each year, it seems we lose at least one annual franchise. Some entire sports are only on one console, or worse, not represented at all.

It's easy to prophesize doom; it's much harder to be positive. That said, there are reasons to look forward to 2015 including some that indicate this will be a landmark year.

1. Consoles are better than ever

It can be hard to believe, but we are really only two console cycles removed from the original Xbox and Playstation 2. Go back and play some of those sports games. While some are revered, many are all but unplayable. The technology simply wasn't strong enough to support what most of us wanted from our games.

In 2015, we have the most powerful consoles ever available. This doesn't automatically mean great things, but...

2. Developers are now firmly in the "next" generation.

New consoles don't always equal instant success, especially early in the console generation. Madden 06 is often cited as an example of a rushed game with a limited feature set.

However, we are two years into the Xbox One/PS4 era. Even though some games, like The Show, have only appeared once, we can expect fully developed products to appear during 2015. Speaking of which...

3. The big games are stronger than ever

While it's true that we are losing games each year, those that are left are better than ever. Look at top shelf games like Madden 15, MLB 14: The Show, NBA 2K15, and FIFA 15; all had critically successful years. Perhaps more importantly, they are viewed as quality products by our passionate fan base.

Super Mega Baseball.

4. Independents are getting better

The small game scene really blossomed on the 360 and PS3, thanks to online distribution and the rise of independently developed games. While it may have regressed a bit during the console transition, there's no reason to think that we'll get fewer small or indy titles over the next year or so. In fact, the recent success of Super Mega Baseball reinforces the idea that fans are willing to accept a non-licensed title if the gameplay -- and price -- is right.

5. Innovation and the promise of new technology

I always like to read science articles that predict what technology may become common place during the upcoming year. The same excitement applies to future gaming technology, including those that increase immersiveness and entertainment levels.

Included here are 3D and motion technologies, which, while occasionally gimmicky, have the ability to transform how we play games. The new Kinect is just waiting for a break-out sports title. Sony's 3D technology is on the horizon as well.

Beyond these big sci-fi-ish developments, smaller technologies and practices shape how we play games. Streaming services, digital distribution, and subscription services may not be popular now, but who knows what the year holds. I barely used Steam until it debuted on the Mac, allowed cross-platform purchases, and offered ridiculous sale prices. Now, the annual sales are "appointment" web-browsing.

What are you looking forward to most in the 2015?