Video games are important. They are a storytelling medium, a place for self-expression, a sandbox for the human imagination, and an extension of an ages old tradition of gaming. We play out some of the most essential aspects of our culture in games, and we learn more about ourselves and the world around us in the process. From the powerful cinematic experiences of mainstream gaming, to the hyper-personal environments of indie games, we are in the midst of an explosion of gaming activity that, as some predict, will continue to define the way we live and interact with information, and each other, far into the future. How will video games progress in the future? Will we begin to see an explosion of independent developers tackling issues that mainstream video game companies can't? Will big brands go beyond strategically placing a branded statue in Farmville and look to agencies to help companies communicate their stories via games? How will consumers and companies get closer together through play? The video below takes a stab at answering some of these questions. Feel free to weigh in your thoughts in the comment section below.