Starfield Developer Says Players Are Sick of Long Games

Former Bethesda developer Will Shen, a veteran of titles like Starfield, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76, recently voiced concerns about the trend of excessively long AAA games. He suggests player fatigue is setting in, with many finding it difficult to commit the significant time investment required by these sprawling titles.

Shen's comments, made in an interview with Kiwi Talkz (via Gamespot), highlight a growing sentiment within the gaming community. While the success of games like Skyrim cemented the popularity of lengthy, "evergreen" experiences, Shen argues that the market may be reaching saturation. He points out that most players don't complete games exceeding ten hours, emphasizing the importance of game completion for optimal story engagement and overall product satisfaction. He draws parallels to other industry trends, such as the impact of Dark Souls on the popularity of challenging third-person combat.

The saturation of the AAA market with lengthy games, according to Shen, has contributed to a resurgence of shorter gaming experiences. He cites the success of Mouthwashing, a shorter indie horror game, as an example. The game's concise playtime, he suggests, was a key factor in its positive reception, contrasting it with the potential negative impact of adding extensive side quests and filler content.

Despite the growing appeal of shorter games, Shen's comments don't suggest the demise of longer AAA titles. Bethesda's continued support for Starfield with DLC expansions like Shattered Space (released in 2024) and a rumored 2025 expansion, demonstrates the ongoing viability of this model. The industry, therefore, appears poised for a period of diversification, catering to players who prefer both shorter, focused experiences and longer, more expansive adventures.