How long should a video game be?
How long should a video game be?
I think it depends on whether the experience is enjoyable and engaging. A long game isn’t necessary if it delivers a good story or fun gameplay. Open-ended games like Monster Hunter appeal to me because they let you keep playing, experiment, and improve. Nioh 2 fits this pattern with its expansive content and challenging levels. Racing, fighting, and simulator titles also match this vibe, though I’m not currently into them. A game should feel like an arcade experience to keep you coming back. MSFS could work but might require specific hardware or controls.
Overall, the value lies more in the nature of the material than the duration itself. If the narrative and gameplay are compelling enough to make a lengthy experience worthwhile, then go for it. However, if it turns into a monotonous cycle of side tasks or a story that forces unnecessary detours just to extend the time, it’s worth trimming. I’d prefer a game that offers more than its price tag suggests. If I leave wanting more, that’s usually a positive outcome—unless the cost doesn’t justify the experience.
I’m not keen on spending $15–20 for a game that only lasts about four hours and seems to have untapped potential. Recently, I finished Titan Souls in roughly three hours on Steam. It’s a tough title, and I know my skill level isn’t top tier, so others likely finish it faster. Now it’s on sale for just $1.50. That’s a deal if you’re into fast-paced boss battles with a charming visual style that doesn’t offer much beyond that. But the full price feels excessive compared to what you’d get.
On the other hand, Hollow Knight took me 36 hours and still left a lot unexplored, costing the same amount. It’s a Metroidvania with decent exploration and story elements, plus smooth mechanics like fast travel and efficient enemy handling. Compared to Titan Souls, it offers more depth without the steep price.
In contrast, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 felt like a tedious grind from the start. The boss fight was overwhelming, and the recommended path seemed forced. I spent hours leveling up just to tackle that challenge, only to be told to skip the main quest. By then, I was already at levels 7–8, and the advice suggested jumping to 15–25. I barely spent three hours, and most of it went into grinding unnecessary content. It felt like a waste of time, especially since other games could have been more rewarding in that time. The average playtime didn’t reassure me there was much extra value beyond the grind.
I couldn't submit my vote due to its complexity. Many agree with me—it varies by genre. For instance, roguelikes such as The Binding of Isaac Rebirth and its expansions are often seen as indie titles despite their long playtime (over 80 hours). Their replay value comes from item unlocks and specific strategies, like defeating bosses in certain ways. Enter the Gungeon follows a similar pattern. Cogmind, another roguelike, leans less on traditional unlocks but still demands significant time to master its mechanics and develop your style, offering varied playstyles. Risk of Rain 2 also encourages repeated attempts to unlock new features. Ultimately, the length of a game isn't the main issue; it's about how well the content fits together and whether it delivers what you expect. A game that feels complete after a reasonable time—whether short or long—is what matters most. The key is ensuring the experience remains engaging without becoming repetitive.
The old Shell Shocked dev guide sounds frustrating. You're not sure if it's about indie, AAA, or something else. I'm going to give two extremes just to make a point. Have you ever played Super Mario World? If not, try it out. How long does it take? 15-20 hours? Does it seem that way? Do you notice every second dragon? Now, regarding the Dragons Lair—whether 3D or not—how many hours do you think Dirk takes to finish, on average? I don’t really know, but it doesn’t feel that long. Let’s move on to Metroid Dread. Outside of quick runs, it usually takes about 5-6 hours. With EMMI, it feels like it would take around 200 times longer. While it shows just a few blocks, you can explore or find areas easily. The rest? Nobody really understands! Blow up anything! That’s a bad design choice and makes maps feel clunky from the 90s. So, now check out DuckTales Remastered versus the original—just go for the version that flows best. It feels much better in terms of pacing, and it’s long enough just to fit the story. My main idea is: if a game makes you feel like you’re stuck in rush hour traffic with no air conditioning in the desert heat and everything’s super hot, then the pacing is off. Big, heavy games—whether AAA, AA, indie, or flash—don’t matter much if people don’t enjoy them.
It varies by experience, but many similar games aim for over 80 hours. Think of titles like Skyrim or Open World games—typically 9-12 hours, sometimes extending to 15-20 with additional content. A remake like Resident Evil 2 can be around 40 hours if you play both versions and explore extra modes.
Perhaps in a realm of perfect Forms where our world is merely an echo of the true, and every video game is a flawless artistic creation free from human limits, I would concur. Yet, I believe much of what you expressed is flawed. Your whole reasoning depends on a setting where all players and creators have endless time and resources, with no constraints of cost or duration. If length doesn’t matter, then why do reviews always highlight playtime? Why do launchers specify session lengths? Why do platforms like howlongtobeat.com thrive? These details reflect our reality—humans with finite hours and budgets. I know friends who avoid JRPGs because they dislike the long grind. If I pay $80 for a game, I won’t be satisfied after just four hours; I’d prefer spending that money on something more rewarding. From a development standpoint, creating rich content is costly and time-consuming. Level design, storytelling, and art aren’t automatic—they demand effort and investment. Reducing this work because it doesn’t match an idealized vision is shortsighted.
I enjoy playing some MMO RPGs, which means I’m accustomed to long sessions. For a high-end AAA experience, it might take around 20 to 25 hours, while a budget title could be about 5 hours.