The gaming industry is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to game development, with a growing focus on quality and engagement over quantity of content.
The Backlog: A Growing Concern in the Gaming Industry
In Japan, there’s a word to describe a shelf full of books you’ve bought but never read – tsundoku. The gaming world has its own version of this phenomenon: ‘the backlog’ . Most console or PC owners probably have one – an ever-growing collection of unfinished or even unplayed titles.
A gaming backlog refers to a list of games that a player intends to play but has not yet had the time for.
According to a survey, 64% of gamers have a gaming backlog, with an average of 13 unplayed games per person.
The main reasons for having a backlog include lack of time and difficulty in choosing which game to play next.
Some strategies to tackle a gaming backlog include prioritizing games based on genre or interest, setting aside dedicated gaming time, and considering the replay value of each game.
Websites and Reddit support groups are dedicated to helping players manage their digital cabinets of shame, sharing tips on how to shrink them. However, it’s a symptom of a potentially bigger problem. More games than ever before are being released, with blockbuster releases getting longer. Some estimates suggest that as few as 10% of those who buy a game make it to the end.
The Rise of Longer Games
Of the top 10 best-reviewed games since 2020, according to review aggregator Metacritic, five are estimated to take at least 60 hours to complete. Analyst Rhys Elliott from Midia Research notes that the trend towards longer games has been ‘an insidious creep over time.’ He uses the Assassin’s Creed series as an example, where earlier sequels would take about 25-30 hours to finish, but the 2020 release, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, can take anything from 60 to 100-plus hours.
Longer games have become increasingly popular among gamers, with many opting for immersive experiences that last several hours or even days.
This trend is driven by advancements in game development, which enable creators to craft more complex and engaging storylines.
According to a survey, 60% of players prefer games with a longer playtime, citing increased replayability and satisfaction as reasons.
The rise of open-world games has also contributed to the shift towards longer experiences.
On paper, more game for your money sounds like a great deal. However, Rhys argues that games take longer and cost more to make while the price players are charged hasn’t gone up as much. His research suggests that the growing development timelines and budgets have reached a point of diminishing returns. He believes companies would be better off making shorter games.
A Shift in Approach?
The game director of Avowed, Carrie Patel, says her studio has tried to design the game to accommodate players who might want a shorter experience. Reviewers suggest that a quick playthrough will take about 15 hours, and completing all extra optional content will take 40 or more. However, this is in line with some of the studio’s previous titles.
Carrie emphasizes that Avowed is a game that ‘respects player’s time.’ She notes that players have plenty of options for how to spend their time, so everything in the game should feel worth it. This approach chimes with analyst Rhys, who believes companies are starting to experiment with shorter games.
Player experience encompasses various aspects, including engagement, 'satisfaction' , and enjoyment.
Effective game design incorporates elements such as intuitive controls, responsive feedback, and adaptive difficulty levels.
Regular updates with new content also contribute to a positive player experience.
Statistics show that 75% of players abandon games due to poor performance or frustrating gameplay.
By prioritizing these factors, developers can improve overall player satisfaction and increase retention rates.
Quality Over Quantity
Some fans complained when they learned that Spider-Man 2 could be fully completed in just under 30 hours. However, the game reviewed well and broke a sales record for Sony – a case of quality overriding quantity. Analyst Rhys notes that this is a ‘smart’ approach, allowing players to choose how much time they want to invest.
The question remains: why do companies make games so long in the first place? Even with a game like Avowed, many players will see only a fraction of what’s on offer. Carrie admits there’s always pressure to include as much content as possible, but notes that this should be balanced against providing an enjoyable experience for all players.
A Changing Landscape
The gaming industry is starting to shift its approach. With more games being released than ever before, companies are beginning to realize that quality and engagement matter more than just quantity of content. As analyst Rhys notes, we’ll probably see more experimentation with shorter games in the future – a move towards respecting players’ time and providing an immersive experience for all.
