Video games have long been a subject of debate, with concerns about their increasing length. Shawn Layden, former chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment, shares his thoughts on this matter. In an interview with Eurogamer on the eve of PlayStation's 30th anniversary, Layden delves into the challenges faced by the video game industry in growing its audience and proposes that shorter titles could be the solution.

Unraveling the Video Game Length Conundrum

Exponential Cost Growth in Game Development

The cost of making video games escalates exponentially across different console generations, directly tied to the industry's pursuit of high-fidelity graphics. As Layden explains, on the PS1, a game might cost $1m. But with each successive generation, the cost doubles. By the PS4 generation, which Layden was last associated with, developing a top-of-the-line game cost 150m before marketing. According to this math, PS5 games could eventually reach $300m to $400m. Such astronomical costs are simply not sustainable in the long run. This poses a significant challenge for the industry, as it limits the number of games that can be developed and released.

It becomes a vicious cycle where developers are constantly striving to create more visually stunning games, but at the cost of increased production expenses. This makes it difficult to justify the investment and risks involved in game development. As a result, the industry may need to find a balance between visual quality and cost-effectiveness to ensure its continued growth.

The Analogy of Building Cathedrals

Layden likens the games industry to building cathedrals, questioning whether it's worth investing an "incredible amount of labour and time" in creating "these massive edifices." He fears that the triple-A industry has reached its limit in terms of size and growth. However, he believes there may be a way to cut back and find a more sustainable approach.

Just like building a cathedral requires careful consideration of resources and time, the games industry needs to assess whether the current trend of creating extremely long games is truly worth it. There is a need to reevaluate the priorities and find a middle ground that satisfies both developers and players. By doing so, the industry can avoid overextending itself and focus on creating more focused and engaging experiences.

The Impact of Player Age on Game Length

In the early years of gaming, when the average gamer was 18 to 23 years old, the metric of "100 hours of gameplay" was highly regarded. But as the average age of gamers moved into the late 20s and early 30s, the situation changed. Now, players are more time-poor and may not have the luxury of spending 90 hours or more on a single game.

Layden emphasizes the need to adapt to this shift in player demographics. Games need to be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of a wider range of players. By creating shorter, more focused games, developers can attract a larger audience and provide a more enjoyable gaming experience for those with limited time. It's about finding the right balance between depth and brevity to ensure that games are accessible and engaging to players of all ages.

The Importance of Player Engagement

Layden expresses his wish to see a world where players can get back to 18 to 23 hours of gameplay without sacrificing engagement. He highlights the issue of players not finishing games, with only 50 percent of players seeing the end of a game despite the significant investment in its final levels.

This raises important questions about the efficient use of resources in game development. Developers need to focus on creating games that are compelling from start to finish, ensuring that players are motivated to complete them. By doing so, they can maximize the impact and value of their games. It's not just about the length of the game but also about the quality and engagement it offers to players.

Growing the Business in a Changing Landscape

Layden also discusses how the games industry is "losing the next generation to TikTok" and the risks associated with bringing PlayStation's games to other platforms like Xbox. This highlights the need for the industry to adapt and find new ways to grow and attract players.

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, it's crucial for the games industry to stay innovative and relevant. By exploring new platforms and distribution channels, as well as focusing on creating unique and engaging experiences, the industry can expand its reach and attract a younger generation of players. It's a challenge that requires careful consideration and strategic planning.

Sony is celebrating PlayStation's 30th anniversary with special limited-time PS5 themes, and with The Game Awards fast approaching, it's an exciting time for the gaming community. Until then, players can enjoy the classic Sly Cooper trilogy on PS Plus. The company has also announced that the PS2 is the highest-selling console of all time.