There’s a trend in the AAA games world that has been gathering steam over the last few years – games that want you to play them forever to the exclusion of all else. It doesn’t have to be this way – there’s a plethora of incredible short games out there that have exceptional stories and gameplay, wrapped up in ten-hour parcels for you to enjoy.
Some games want you to play them forever which makes sense when longevity is part of the game design. Take Helldivers 2 for example. It has short matches that change every time, and as a live service game is updated frequently. It makes perfect sense for this game to be an ongoing part of someone’s gaming. Final Fantasy XIV is another example where the ‘“never-ending game trend” trend works. If you enjoy it, there is so much in there for you to experience.
When it doesn’t make sense, however, is in single-player games that have a specific story to tell. Cyberpunk 2077 has a strong plot and a few effective side quests that tell poignant stories or put interesting characters in front of you. There’s some truly excellent game-play in there, but you have to dig it out from underneath a huge heap of micro-quests, ‘“gigs’”, races, and other stuff that is there just to keep you playing for hours after the story has been told. Cyberpunk is not the only offender – how long did you spend in the last Assassin’s Creed game, for example?
As a result, I’ve stopped buying AAA games almost entirely. I just don’t have time. I’m a full-time student with a part-time job and a social life. Video games will always be a part of my life, but if a game wants a 100+ hour commitment from me, I just can’t offer it.
Where I will continue to make space in my life for video games is primarily shorter games. If I can play it to completion in 1-2 sessions I’m way more likely to pick it up. I have been thoroughly enjoying exploring the huge back catalogue of primarily indie games that tell a full and complete story in seven hours. The innovation in this space is incredible, and it’s astonishing the quality of stories being told. I truly recommend skipping the next £75 AAA monstrosity and instead snagging a handful of shorter games that will be fantastic self-contained experiences
It’s okay, AAA games. You can let people go. We can get you therapy for your separation anxiety. Short games deserve our attention, too.
Student journalist & freelance writer. Check out Quick Play, where I review video games that are 10 hours or less.
