Summary
- Players are increasingly feeling fatigued by long AAA games, according to Will Shen, a former Starfield developer.
- The saturation of the AAA market with lengthy games may be driving the popularity of shorter games.
- Despite this trend, long games like Starfield continue to be a significant part of the gaming industry.
Will Shen, a former Bethesda developer who contributed to Starfield, has voiced concerns about the length of modern AAA games. In his view, players are experiencing "fatigue" from the extensive time commitment required by these games. Shen, with his extensive experience on titles like Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, brings a seasoned perspective to the discussion.
Starfield, released by Bethesda in 2023, marked the studio's first new IP in 25 years and added another expansive open-world RPG to their catalog. This game, like its predecessor The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, offers players a vast array of activities, contributing to its successful launch. However, Shen points out that not all players are in favor of such lengthy experiences. In an interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot), Shen highlighted that the industry is "reaching a point" where a "large section" of players are tired of games that demand dozens of hours of playtime. He noted that the market is already saturated with such games, making it a "tall order" to introduce yet another. Reflecting on past trends, Shen mentioned how Skyrim's success helped normalize "evergreen games." He compared this to other influential trends, such as Dark Souls popularizing high-difficulty combat in third-person games. Shen, who left Bethesda in late 2023, emphasized that most players do not complete games that are over 10 hours long, which he believes is crucial for engagement with the story and the product.
Starfield Dev Discusses Long Games, Highlights the Demand for Shorter Experiences
Shen also discussed the impact of the AAA sector's focus on long games, suggesting it has contributed to a "resurgence" of shorter games. He cited the success of the indie horror game Mouthwashing, attributing its positive reception to its concise runtime of a few hours. Shen argued that if Mouthwashing had been longer with numerous side quests and additional content, it might not have been as well-received.
Despite the growing interest in shorter games, long games remain a staple in the industry. Starfield's 2024 DLC, Shattered Space, added even more content to the already extensive base game. Rumors also suggest that Bethesda may release another Starfield expansion in 2025, indicating that the trend of long games is likely to continue.
