The Growing Challenge of Game Backlogs: Quality Over Quantity?
In recent years, the gaming industry has faced a peculiar phenomenon: an ever-increasing collection of unfinished or unplayed games. This trend, akin to Japan's concept of "tsundoku" for unread books, has led to what gamers call the "backlog." With more titles being released than ever before and blockbuster games becoming longer, only a small fraction of players manage to complete these extensive experiences. Analysts suggest this could signal a shift in player preferences towards shorter, more immersive games that respect players' time. Some developers are now experimenting with offering choices to cater to different play styles, recognizing the value of quality over quantity.
The gaming backlog issue stems from the sheer volume of content available today. Many console and PC owners find themselves with a growing list of games they've yet to finish or even start. Websites and Reddit communities have emerged to help players catalog these collections, often humorously referred to as "digital cabinets of shame." The problem is exacerbated by the increasing length of major releases. For instance, some top-reviewed games since 2020 can take upwards of 60 hours to complete. Rhys Elliott, an analyst at Midia Research, points out that game lengths have steadily increased over the past decade. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla can now take anywhere from 60 to over 100 hours to finish, compared to earlier versions that required around 25 to 30 hours.
Despite the appeal of getting more content for the money, longer games come with their own set of challenges. According to Rhys, while the length of games has ballooned, the number of players who actually finish them has dwindled. His research suggests that as games grow longer, fewer people see them through to the end. This trend indicates diminishing returns on the substantial development timelines and budgets invested in creating these expansive experiences. Developers are beginning to question whether the focus should be on quality rather than quantity. Carrie Patel, the game director of Avowed, emphasizes that her team aims to design games that players can realistically finish. By offering a core experience that can be completed in about 15 hours, with additional content extending up to 40 hours, Obsidian Entertainment hopes to provide a valuable and time-efficient experience.
This shift towards shorter, more focused games is gaining traction. Even major releases like Spider-Man 2, which can be completed in just under 30 hours, have been praised for their quality and have achieved record sales. The success of such titles challenges the notion that games must be hundreds of hours long to be successful. Instead, it highlights the importance of delivering an immersive and worthwhile experience that respects players' time. As the industry continues to evolve, developers may increasingly explore ways to balance depth and accessibility, ensuring that all players, regardless of their schedule, can enjoy meaningful gameplay.
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