Home News Starfield Developer Says Players Are Sick of Long Games

Starfield Developer Says Players Are Sick of Long Games

by Daniel Jan 29,2025

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 length of modern AAA games. He suggests player fatigue is setting in due to the sheer time commitment required by many current releases.

Shen's comments follow the 2023 launch of Starfield, Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years, a sprawling open-world RPG echoing the extensive playtime of previous successes like Skyrim. While Starfield's success demonstrates the enduring appeal of expansive game worlds, Shen highlights a growing segment of gamers who prefer shorter, more focused experiences.

In an interview with Kiwi Talkz, Shen observed a trend: a significant portion of players are tiring of games boasting dozens of hours of content. He argues that the market is saturated with such titles, making it difficult for another lengthy game to stand out. He cites the influence of games like Skyrim in establishing the "evergreen game" model, comparing its impact to that of Dark Souls on the popularity of challenging, third-person combat. He also points out that most players don't complete games exceeding ten hours, emphasizing the importance of game completion for strong narrative engagement.

This saturation, Shen suggests, is contributing to a resurgence of shorter games. He uses the indie horror title Mouthwashing as an example, highlighting its concise playtime as a key factor in its success. He posits that a longer version, burdened with side quests and extra content, would have received a less enthusiastic reception.

Despite the growing popularity of shorter games, Shen acknowledges that lengthy titles like Starfield, with its 2024 DLC Shattered Space and a rumored 2025 expansion, are likely to remain a significant part of the AAA landscape. The industry, it seems, is navigating a shift in player preferences, with a growing demand for shorter, more focused gaming experiences alongside the continued prevalence of expansive, long-form titles.