What they need to do is take it one step further and make a game around the concept, like an rts. only u design every building 100% from scratch. games that allow for varied outcomes tend to do better then games the follow one path andhaveno replay value. people love saint row more then gta4causeof itsdiversityand customizable crib cars and characters

i would say for semi sleepers of all categories:

.pure, lotr bfme2(was only 4$ at eb games) and for online if u havent tried it bf bad company (i know not really a sleeper)