Tech has become much more self-referential in the last years. Now we do tools that help build a system that can build an app to cash in minimal productivity gains
Before you get on a technical interview, an automated system, an HR person and a project manager (or similar) will have to pass on the application, which encourages putting buzzwords tech terms on a CV.
Sadly today fewer and fewer companies look at soft and engineering skills and prefer to hire people based on experience with specific tools.
The videogames industry got overcrowded over time. Videogames became more about money as the big names exploited the growth of the sector. There are good titles coming out, although it seems they become fewer in ratio.
Most big names push away game designers to favour software engineers with elements of game design. That could have worked 15 years ago, but with the increased competition, the need for proper game design has increased.
Finally, the people that made videogames 15 years ago were mostly engineers, but I get the impression they also had a better understanding of game design.
Hence that time was the golden era of videogames because it was when the key people in the industry made their careers. Todd Howard (Bethesda) and Jess Schell (Disney/Schell Games) for example were in the line at that time, but now are in management positions.
Because game designers where having an hard time in the videogames industry, they turned their attention to other areas: board games. Board games are indeed in a great period now, with many independent makers finding success.
So if you want to have again a good time playing games with friends, go for board games.