Short and Sweet: Games Like Astro Bot Fix Gaming's Big Problem
In recent weeks, I've been diving into a variety of games, and something has become crystal clear: we need shorter games. As a gamer with limited time, it's refreshing to complete a game and enjoy its full experience without dedicating dozens of hours. This trend towards shorter, more concise games offers a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by massive AAA titles.
Why Shorter Games Are Better
Shorter games just feel better. They offer a sense of accomplishment without the overwhelming time commitment. When you finish a game, it's a triumph. This victorious feeling can carry you from one game to the next, providing a satisfying rhythm.
Longer games often leave you with half-formed impressions if you don't finish them. With most notable releases requiring dozens of hours to complete, it's hard to find the time. This means fewer fresh experiences and more frustration.
Recent Examples of Shorter Games
Recently, I've enjoyed several shorter games that stand out for their unique experiences:
- Astro Bot: A polished 3D platformer that takes about a dozen hours to complete.
- The Plucky Squire: A roughly 10-hour game that pays homage to gaming's past.
- Thank Goodness You're Here: A quirky game that feels like a series of interactive comedy sketches, completed in about three hours.
These games offer diverse experiences without requiring a massive time investment. They feel like breaths of fresh air compared to the bloated blockbusters.
The Problem with Massive AAA Games
Many AAA games suffer from scope creep and inflated expectations. Titles like God of War Ragnarök and Persona 5 often feel stuffed with content, making them exhausting to complete. While these games have their merits, the industry's obsession with bigger games leads to issues like rising budgets and unrealistic expectations.
This trend is driven by marketers and executives who want to upsell the same kinds of games repeatedly. The result is a homogenized vision of what a game should be, stifling creativity and innovation.
A Blueprint for the Future
Shorter games like Astro Bot, The Plucky Squire, and Thank Goodness You're Here offer a blueprint for a healthier gaming industry. These mid-range, creative titles shouldn't feel like outliers. They provide unique experiences without the bloat, allowing developers to break free from the constraints of the big game formula.
While massive games have their place, the industry needs to embrace a variety of game lengths and experiences. This shift could save the industry from the ballooning costs and failures of service games, offering something fresh and exciting for gamers.
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