Will Shen, a veteran designer at Bethesda, discusses the gaming industry’s shift towards shorter, impactful games in a Kiwi Talkz podcast. He highlights the growing player fatigue with lengthy titles like Skyrim and Fallout 4, as gamers seek more meaningful experiences that don’t require excessive time commitments. Shen notes the success of indie games like Mouthwashing, emphasizing the need for balance between game length and player satisfaction in future developments, particularly as he joins Unknown Worlds Entertainment.
Will Shen’s Insights on the Gaming Industry
Will Shen, a seasoned designer with nearly 15 years of experience at Bethesda, has played a crucial role in the development of iconic games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. In a recent discussion on the Kiwi Talkz podcast, he shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, particularly regarding the mismatch between game length and player satisfaction.
The Discrepancy Between Game Length and Player Experience
Today’s gamers view their time as a valuable investment, paralleling the monetary cost of games, which typically averages around 70 euros. This expectation has prompted game studios to create expansive experiences that can range from dozens to hundreds of hours. Titles such as Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield exemplify this trend, providing players with vast, immersive worlds. However, Shen notes that this model is beginning to take its toll on gamers.
The overwhelming size of these games can lead to player fatigue, as many find themselves daunted by the sheer volume of content available. Shen points out that an increasing number of players no longer wish to dedicate over 100 hours to a single game.
The Rise of Shorter, Engaging Games
In response to this shift, there is a growing appreciation for shorter indie games. Shen highlights the psychological horror title Mouthwashing, which offers a three-hour experience that is both complete and memorable, showcasing the potential of concise storytelling.
When compared to lengthy titles, these shorter games risk losing players before they ever dive into all the available content. While expansive worlds like Starfield still capture attention, their vastness can be overwhelming. Independent studios are thus catering to a demand for more focused and emotionally rich experiences that require less of a time commitment.
Reflecting on the trend toward games with unlimited playtime, Shen acknowledges their past success in engaging millions. Yet, the tide is turning as players increasingly seek targeted and digestible gaming experiences. As Shen embarks on his journey with Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the creators of the acclaimed Subnautica, it is evident that future games will need to strike a balance between length and player satisfaction.
Ultimately, titles like Mouthwashing demonstrate that impactful gaming experiences are not solely reliant on length, but rather on the quality of the experience provided. The gaming industry may soon need to re-evaluate its focus, as the fatigue brought on by lengthy games could signal the dawn of a new era for AAA titles.
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The gaming world has also witnessed a surge of remasters and remakes, breathing new life into classic titles. However, it appears that the early installments of Fallout will remain untouched by modern adaptations.