Starfield's Vast Universe to Offer Shorter Play Time

A former Starfield developer reveals player fatigue with excessively long AAA games. This saturation of the market with lengthy titles, the developer argues, is contributing to a rise in popularity of shorter gaming experiences. While long games like Starfield remain prevalent, a shift in player preference is emerging.

Will Shen, a veteran Bethesda developer who worked on Starfield, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76, voiced concerns about the length of modern games. He suggests player burnout stems from the significant time commitment required by many AAA titles.

Starfield, Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years, exemplifies the trend of lengthy open-world RPGs. While the game's success proves the enduring appeal of expansive content, Shen points out that many players prefer a more concise experience. This sentiment has become a frequent criticism of AAA game development.

In an interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot), Shen stated the industry is reaching a point where a significant portion of players are tiring of games demanding dozens of hours of playtime. He described adding another lengthy title to an already saturated market as a "tall order." He noted how the success of games like Skyrim contributed to the prevalence of "evergreen" games, comparing this trend to Dark Souls' impact on third-person combat difficulty. Crucially, he highlighted that most players don't complete games exceeding ten hours, emphasizing game completion as vital for story engagement and overall product satisfaction.

The Impact of Length on AAA Games and the Rise of Shorter