Summary
- Former Starfield developer Will Shen observes growing player fatigue with lengthy AAA games exceeding dozens of hours.
- This fatigue, he suggests, contributes to a rise in popularity of shorter gaming experiences.
- Despite this trend, long-form AAA titles like Starfield remain prevalent.
Will Shen, a former Bethesda developer who contributed to Starfield, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76, has voiced concerns about the length of modern games. He believes player fatigue stemming from significant time investment is becoming increasingly common.
Starfield, Bethesda's 2023 release and their first new IP in 25 years, exemplifies the trend of lengthy open-world RPGs. While the game's success demonstrates the enduring appeal of expansive content, Shen highlights a counter-trend: a growing preference for shorter gaming experiences.
In an interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot), Shen stated the industry is reaching a point where many players are tiring of games demanding dozens of hours. He considers adding another lengthy title to an already saturated market a significant challenge. He cites the success of titles like Skyrim as contributing to the prevalence of "evergreen games," comparing this trend's impact to that of Dark Souls' influence on third-person combat difficulty. Crucially, he notes that most players don't complete games exceeding ten hours, emphasizing the importance of completion for story engagement and product satisfaction.
Starfield Dev Discusses Long Games, Highlights the Demand for Shorter Experiences
Shen connects the saturation of the AAA market with long games to the resurgence of shorter titles. He points to the success of Mouthwashing, emphasizing its short playtime as a key factor in its popularity. He argues that extending Mouthwashing's length with side quests would have negatively impacted its reception.
Despite the growing popularity of shorter games, longer experiences like Starfield remain a significant part of the industry. The release of Starfield's Shattered Space DLC in 2024 and rumors of further expansions in 2025 demonstrate the continued investment in expansive content.
