Short vs long Games

I greatly admire Ninja Theory for their unwavering dedication to storytelling, innovation, and mental health awareness, which are at the core of their creative philosophy. Their sustainable business model allows them to maintain an agile team size, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish without the encumbrance of unnecessary overhead. By cultivating an audience of loyal fans who genuinely appreciate their work, they have successfully established a community that values their unique approach to gaming. Additionally, their commitment to keeping games short and concise not only caters to some modern player's preference for impactful experiences but also exemplifies their focus on leveraging strengths to deliver memorable narratives that resonate deeply with players.

Many of my favorite games can be completed in just an hour, like Rez and Nights into Dreams. Short games like these focus on artistic experiences instead of long playtimes. They feature unique storytelling, beautiful visuals, and brilliant mechanics, allowing players to connect with the game world in meaningful ways. Rez merges music with shooting, encouraging players to match their actions to the rhythms, while Nights into Dreams offers a dreamlike experience that symbolizes personal growth and freedom. These games provide brief but valuable experiences that prompt players to think about their journey and appreciate the art in a short time.

Hellblade 2 immerses players in a hauntingly beautiful world, where the delicate balance of mental struggle and breathtaking visuals echoes the serene yet surreal essence found in titles like Rez and Nights into Dreams. This sequel continues to explore the depths of Senua's psyche, inviting players to traverse a landscape that is as vivid as it is poignant. Engaging with the ethereal, players experience a harmonious blend of combat and puzzle-solving, intricately woven together with atmospheric soundscapes that enhance emotional resonance. Just as in Rez and Nights into Dreams, each moment in Hellblade 2 emphasizes the interplay of art and gameplay, creating a narrative that transcends traditional storytelling and challenges players to confront the complexities of the human experience.

In today's gaming landscape, shorter, concise games often face an uphill battle for acceptance among audiences who increasingly favor extensive, sprawling open worlds. This preference stems from a belief that size equates to value, leading to the misconception that a game must be lengthy to be worthwhile.
Shorter games can deliver impactful experiences through streamlined narratives and focused gameplay. They often prioritize core mechanics and storytelling, allowing players to engage in meaningful ways within a limited timeframe. However, the prevailing trend gravitates toward vast environments filled with repetitive tasks, where the quantity of content often overshadows quality.
This fixation on length has led to the creation of games that, despite their expansive worlds, can feel hollow. Players may find themselves wandering through empty spaces, engaging with filler content that lacks depth or substance. The desire for longer gameplay hours often comes at the expense of innovation, character development, and engaging narratives.
Ultimately, the gaming industry faces a growing challenge: balancing the allure of expansive worlds with the strength of concise experiences that can leave lasting impressions. Shorter games may resonate more deeply with players seeking authentic connections and memorable stories, but they must compete against the perception that more content inherently equates to greater value.

I'm focused on creating a fun and well-made game. If it takes 3-4 hours to complete, that’s fine. I’ll price it fairly and hope it reaches an audience. My goal is to gain a thousand true fans for sustainability. I believe the gaming industry is too focused on maximizing profits. Gamers don’t want to be squeezed for every dollar. Create content that resonates with them, price it fairly, and they will support you.