A former Starfield developer, Will Shen, reveals player fatigue with excessively long AAA games. This saturation of the market with lengthy titles, he suggests, is fueling a resurgence of shorter gaming experiences.
Shen, a veteran with credits on titles like Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, points to the industry's trend towards "evergreen" games, citing Skyrim's influence. He argues that many players fail to complete games exceeding ten hours, impacting overall story engagement and product satisfaction. This, he believes, is a significant factor in player burnout.
The interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot) highlights the growing preference for shorter games. Shen uses the indie horror game Mouthwashing as an example, emphasizing its concise playtime as a key element in its success. He contrasts this with the potential negative impact of lengthening the game with additional side quests and filler content.
Despite this shift, Shen acknowledges the continued prevalence of longer games like Starfield, evidenced by the release of its 2024 DLC, Shattered Space, and a rumored 2025 expansion. The industry, therefore, seems poised for a coexistence of both lengthy and shorter gaming experiences.
