"Starfield Dev: Players Tired of Long Games"

Summary

• Players are increasingly feeling fatigued by long AAA games with extensive content, 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 dominate the industry.

Will Shen, a former Bethesda developer who contributed to Starfield, has voiced concerns about the length of modern AAA games. With experience on titles like Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, Shen's insights carry significant weight. He argues that players are growing "fatigued" from the time investment required by these long games.

Starfield, released in 2023, marked Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years and added another expansive open-world RPG to their catalog. While the game's launch was successful, showcasing the appeal of endless content, there's a growing segment of players who crave shorter, more focused experiences. Shen's comments, made during an interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot), highlight this shift in player preferences.

Shen pointed out that the industry is "reaching a point" where many 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 lengthy title. Reflecting on past successes like Skyrim, Shen explained how these "evergreen games" have set a trend. He compared this to other influential trends, such as Dark Souls popularizing challenging third-person combat. Shen also mentioned that most players don't 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 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 Mouthwashing, an indie horror game, attributing its positive reception to its concise runtime. Shen believes that if Mouthwashing had been longer with numerous side quests and additional content, it might not have been as well-received.

Despite the growing demand for shorter games, long-form experiences like Starfield remain a staple in the industry. In 2024, Starfield's DLC, Shattered Space, was released, adding even more content to the already expansive game. Rumors suggest another expansion could be on the horizon for 2025, indicating that Bethesda will continue to support and expand their long games.