The Starfield game is long, that's a fact. But is it too long? A former Bethesda developer weighs in on the matter and isn't necessarily kind to these types of games.
More and more demanding video games are reaching the limits of content and lifespan. But is it really what gamers are looking for? According to Will Shen, former Lead Quest Designer from Bethesda that was being worked on StarfieldSome players get tired of games that last dozens of hours. His comments, made in a recent interview, are sparking a controversial debate.
Are you tired of long games, are you thinking about Starfield?
In an interview for the Kiwi Talkz podcast: Will Shen (Starfield developer) pointed out that the industry is reaching a saturation point. According to him, a “large portion of gamers” feel tired by the length of modern AAA games. These titles full of secondary content often require a huge time commitment.
Shen even speaks of a “monumental challenge” for the studioswhich constantly needs to add more content to meet the public's expectations. He remembers games like Skyrim were pioneers of this model. However, he points out that most players cannot complete games that last longer than ten hours. And for him, that limits engagement with the story and the game itself.
A return to shorter experiences
Given this fatigue, shorter games are finding a new audience. The opposite of Starfield. Shen gives the example of Mouthwasha game Independent horror film that was convincing because it only lasted a few hours. He explains that this conciseness was a key element of his success.
If the game had been longer, with side quests and additional content, he believes it wouldn't have had the same impact. Players appreciate being able to finish a game quickly without feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks to complete.
Despite this trend, long games still have their placee. Shen recognizes that many gamers are looking for immersive, long-lasting experiences. Bethesda, for example, continues to rely on this model with titles like Starfield.
The game, which will be released in 2023, has already received the major DLC Starfield Shattered spacewhich enriched its content in 2024. And rumors speak of a new expansion in 2025. These additions show that for a part of the public, great adventures are still essential.
Source: KIWI TALKZ
