Innovation, in computer games at least, is always good. Well, that depends on what you mean by “good”.

Is an innovative game always a fun game? No.
Does an innovative game always make money? No.

So what’s the point? The point is that every innovative game advances knowledge in some way. Even if only one person plays the game and thinks “Hm, I never thought about that”, the game is a success. That innovation will go on to influence other game makers. It will never be forgotten.

Now, if a game designer wants to create a game that makes money, they will value things other than innovation—polish, ease of play, “fun factor”. And that’s perfectly logical. It’s just that I, myself, believe there’s always a place for games that focus on innovation.