How long should a video game be?
How long should a video game be?
I’m looking at current perspectives on game length. For casual single-player or co-op experiences, a typical main story should run about 20 to 40 hours. AAA titles often aim for 16 to 30 hours, while indie games tend to be shorter, usually around 3 to 4 hours. The goal is usually the main quest or campaign, not exhaustive content. Speedruns aren’t the focus here, and I’m not asking about time spent on side activities or cutscenes. Overall, a satisfying experience seems to align with reasonable playtime rather than extreme durations.
I grew up with JRPGs, so I usually spend 30 to 50 hours on indie games. The ones I play are typically around 1 to 2 hours each.
I often find that, too, but I didn't want to make an overwhelming number of questions for each genre. Like, I expect the campaign in a city builder to last longer than the single-player campaign for an FPS, but that's partly because the latter almost certainly has multi-player, so I'm partly paying for that. But then what about an indie city builder vs a AAA FPS? I wouldn't be surprised if the results flipped. Basically, I don't know how granular I'd need to go with the genres. It could go on forever. So while I agree that AAA vs Indie isn't granular enough, I recognized that there's generally a big difference in the expectations, but I didn't think there was a better way to do the poll by making more distinctions either. Also, all the games I've finished are small ones, too, but I have two game ideas that I think could be large ones if I were to put in the time.
I’m not sure about the right amount of content, since I mainly enjoy relaxing games. My favorite is Live For Speed, a racing game where you can simply log in, unwind, and have fun without any tasks.
I'm taking it a bit of a deep dive to match the story or game length requirements. I've tried quick little games and longer ones. The remakes of RE or DOOM give around a dozen hours, but I didn't prefer them over The Witcher 3 or Horizon Zero Dawn even though they usually take three to five times longer. Meanwhile, Far Cry 6 is long enough for me, but I'm stretching it out more since it feels repetitive. If I had to guess, I'd say about six hours for a big game, mostly because that's typical. For indie titles, the time really depends.
I don't believe Indie or AAA titles are the main concern. The issue lies more with the game's genre. The range of combat and gameplay options really shapes how much time I'm willing to invest. Narrative-driven titles stand out because they depend less on mechanics to maintain interest. For instance, my preferred style is Metroidvania. Personally, I cap myself at around 15 hours for these types—they tend to be story-light and combat straightforward. The sweet spot seems to be about 6 to 8 hours. With more story elements and varied combat, like in FPS games, the limit jumps to roughly 25 hours, but I think a realistic range is 8 to 20 hours. Titles with broad or diverse combat mechanics—such as Dark Souls, Metal Gear Solid, GTA, etc.—can last much longer since they offer endless options. I can revisit Dark Souls 3 repeatedly without losing interest, though Sekiro felt too long due to fixed weapon choices and rigid fighting styles. Very expansive games like Nier: Automata or Ys 8 (around 70 hours) are tolerable because their complexity keeps things exciting indefinitely. Even on easy settings, they provide a compelling story. Ultimately, if a game maintains either engaging gameplay or a captivating narrative, I'll keep playing. If not, I'll eventually lose interest and feel the game is unproductive. Certain genres naturally excel at this balance.
It varies by game. The right choice depends on the narrative, how immersive it feels, the mechanics, and other factors. I liked "What Remains of Edith Finch" because of its 3-4 hour length; you're there for the experience. Half-Life was a challenge back then—days to finish with limited expectations. Half-Life 2 had some dull sections, but overall it was enjoyable and extended beyond 8 hours thanks to episodes. I find it annoying when games like Call of Duty turn lengthy campaigns into short, repetitive segments with poor AI, making them uninteresting and unplayable. Recently, "Days Gone" offered solid content, varied maps, and new enemies that kept things fresh. RPGs such as Fallout 3, Neverwinter Nights, or Dungeon Siege are great if they provide enough time and depth; otherwise, I'd prefer games with more substance rather than just a few hours of action.
Chrono Trigger can be completed in roughly 30 hours and is widely regarded as one of the finest RPGs ever developed. Final Fantasy VII is often seen as the pinnacle, yet many find it too demanding with over 70 hours. Final Fantasy VI sits in between, offering a balanced experience. These titles showcase how mechanics adapt to different player expectations and goals. Nintendo excels at delivering depth within concise formats. Yoshi's Story stands out for its simplicity—easy to master and quick to finish. Conversely, collecting specific items repeatedly, like honeydew in every level of Super Mario Galaxy or gathering stars for Luigi, demands significant skill. The key design choice that often gets missed is ensuring accessibility beyond the initial playthrough. This is why Chrono Trigger remains engaging even after long breaks, thanks to its "New Game+" system. It lets players return without penalty for mistakes or missed opportunities, avoiding the frustration of being forced back to basics repeatedly. This thoughtful approach makes FFVII far more inviting than the other examples discussed.
Does the content include additional content packs? I’m okay with extended play sessions, as long as the experience stays interesting after 40 to 50 hours. I tend to lose interest quickly in games that feel too repetitive, even if they’re only a few hours in, but this is different when the game offers an engaging story, good sound and visual quality, etc. I’d expect a high-end title to offer more than 20–30 hours of play; getting value for money is important, though my expectations have lowered over time. Personally, I’ve mostly played free-to-play titles rather than paid ones.