Gamers Are Tired of 100+ Hour Games According to Former Starfield Developer

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A former Bethesda developer is tired of lengthy games.

A characteristic of contemporary video games is that they are often viewed as financial commitments. When someone spends around $70 on a new title, they expect to receive at least the same value in enjoyment. If a game can be completed in just a few hours, players might feel cheated.

Hey there, fellow gamers! It’s no secret that an increasing number of games are offering over a hundred hours of gameplay these days. At first glance, that sounds like a fantastic deal, right? But here’s the catch: this abundance could potentially mean sacrifices in other areas to maintain such extensive content.

As a gaming enthusiast who’s followed Will Shen’s work at Bethesda, from Skyrim to Fallout 4 and Starfield, I found his recent thoughts about game length intriguing. In an engaging chat on the Kiwi Talkz podcast, he didn’t just reminisce about the past; he made a compelling argument that games today tend to be overly long.

It’s Becoming Accepted That Games Are Too Long Today

We’ve transcribed Shen’s comments the best we can:

A significant factor was the popularity of games such as “Skyrim” and “Fallout 4”, which are massive titles with content that seems endless, keeping players engaged for extended periods even years after their release. The concept of these everlasting games where you can invest countless hours, which made a significant impact on the gaming industry. Earlier, it was mainly MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games) like “World of Warcraft” that held this appeal. There are dedicated fans of “World of Warcraft” who have remained loyal to the game for a long time.

Gradually, games such as Skyrim and other expansive open-world titles started thriving, offering a wealth of content beyond the point where players felt they could continue indefinitely. This development proved popular, sparking a significant trend within the gaming industry.

Shen goes on to explain that, due to the success of Minecraft, it’s become essential for every game to have at least 40 hours or more of content, complex progression, and survival crafting. However, he acknowledges that players are weary about committing such extensive time to a new game, given their existing favorites they frequently revisit. Adding yet another game to this roster is quite challenging. This, in his opinion, is the reason behind the recent surge in popularity of shorter, independent games.

One example Shen provides is “Mouthwashing“, a three-hour long game. Although the gameplay duration is brief, most players who initiate it manage to complete it, fostering stronger community interaction. Since everyone participates in the game fully, there’s ample opportunity for sharing insights and connecting with others’ perspectives.

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2025-01-07 19:38