I would guess 3d technology and networking technology (for multiplayer) are relatively old hat, polishing graphics is "nothing that special".
I would guess that the technology they are waiting on is more procedural, AI, physics and content related. AI is at the moment way to simple in most games, NPC's dont generally react to coming across a dead body even if you kill instealth there should be a reaction to seeing a body... crowds dont react to events etc. Theres a lot of scope for big improvements in AI.
Freeform sandbox content is an area which needs real work to get it working. Theres a lot out there that can be worked on to give a game some REAL depth, workable story's, whilst maintaining sand box play style. its easy enough to generate random missions, its another thing entirely to give those random \ endless missions real cause and effect. To give a feeling of real history and roots to your actions. Something to make the galaxy live and breathe more, to make the environment more believable.
I would guess that the technology they are waiting on is more procedural, AI, physics and content related. AI is at the moment way to simple in most games, NPC's dont generally react to coming across a dead body even if you kill instealth there should be a reaction to seeing a body... crowds dont react to events etc. Theres a lot of scope for big improvements in AI.
Freeform sandbox content is an area which needs real work to get it working. Theres a lot out there that can be worked on to give a game some REAL depth, workable story's, whilst maintaining sand box play style. its easy enough to generate random missions, its another thing entirely to give those random \ endless missions real cause and effect. To give a feeling of real history and roots to your actions. Something to make the galaxy live and breathe more, to make the environment more believable.