At a meeting I had with a game developer recently, I once again heard the term “sequel-itis” and wasn’t even asked if I agreed that it’s a bad thing.

It is just assumed. Sequels are killing gaming. But of course. No question about it, the people who use that term always say.

But I disagree. I haven’t seen many signs that rampant sequel-making is a problem in the video game industry. I never have. I certainly haven’t seen rampant sequel-making significantly ruin things for gamers.

Does anyone really think sequels are a problem? If so, do these people who complain about sequel-itis even play video games?

This past weekend I was playing (sequel) “Burnout Paradise” and was reminded how it innovatively evolved the open-world, always-online racing experience pioneered by (sequel) “Test Drive Unlimited.” On Saturday night I briefly played one of the finest-tuned games of the year, (sequel) “Geometry Wars 2: Retro Evolved,” of which I’ve heard few bad words. I had a new experience on Saturday when I played (sequel) “Buzz! Quiz TV” on my PS3 and had my first experience with a video game trivia show that allows users to write and share quizzes. This allowed me to take my first-ever quiz about the life and times of Bob Saget.

On Sunday I again marveled at the visuals of one of the games that most occupied my time last year, (sequel) “Super Stardust HD.” And I was reminded, after a quick play session on my Wii, that (sequel) “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption” served as an excellent laboratory for first-person Wii controls and unusually imaginative art design.

These sequels didn’t ruin my weekend or make me feel stuck in a gray gaming world lacking the color of creativity.

The above games are not “Portal” or “Braid,” nor are they strictly comfort-food repeat formulas like (sequel) “Mercenaries 2.” They are, for the most part, improved iterations of successful first or second or third drafts. They are mostly both familiar and, perhaps not coincidentally, vessels for innovative features. They are many things, but they are not a drag. And they’re better than the average movie sequel, which is the kind of sequel used to smear games whose titles end in “2″ or 3″ or “IV.”

Sequel-itis, it’s a myth, right? It’s not hurting any gamers. Agree?