The art of game design made a strong showing in 2008, with innovation and excellence coming in packages both big (Mirror's Edge) and small (Braid). We got some of the greatest sequels ever created (Metal Gear Solid 4, Fallout 3 and Grand Theft Auto IV, to name just a few), and new properties sure to have franchise legs (LittleBigPlanet). It's going to be hard to top the past year in terms of great games, but there are a few key steps developers can take to ensure that 2009 is just the start of something big. Here, then, is our list of New Year's resolutions for the people on the production side of the games industry. Take heed, developers, and prepare to be excellent.

There were some contenders in 2008—Warhammer Online offered a more PVP-focused experience, while Lord of the Rings Online was a viable alternative for Tolkien fans and players who prefer to solo—but you know things have gotten bad when even industry insiders are grumbling that any MMO without Warcraft in its name is doomed from the get-go. Perhaps Bioware will lead the charge with Star Wars: The Old Republic (despite whatever damage Lucas has done in the past decade, there are still few licenses stronger than that born in a galaxy far, far away), but it's time for other developers to step up, too. Azeroth awaits your challenge!