Former Bethesda developer Will Shen, a veteran of titles like Starfield, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76, has voiced concerns about the increasing length of AAA games. He suggests player fatigue is setting in due to the sheer time commitment required by many modern releases.

Shen's comments follow the 2023 launch of Starfield, Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years, a sprawling open-world RPG echoing the extensive playtime of previous successes like Skyrim. While Starfield's length contributed to its success, Shen points out a growing segment of gamers prefers shorter, more focused experiences.

In an interview, Shen highlighted the industry's trend towards lengthy games, suggesting it's reaching a saturation point. He argued that adding another lengthy title to an already crowded market is a significant challenge. He cited Skyrim's influence in establishing the "evergreen game" model, comparing its impact to that of Dark Souls on third-person combat difficulty. He also emphasized that many players don't complete games exceeding ten hours, impacting overall story engagement and product satisfaction.

This trend, Shen believes, has fueled a resurgence in shorter games. He used the indie horror title Mouthwashing as an example, suggesting its concise playtime was key to its positive reception. He theorized that a longer version with extensive side quests would have been less successful.

Despite the rising popularity of shorter games, Shen acknowledges that lengthy titles, like Starfield, remain prevalent. Bethesda's continued support for Starfield with DLC like Shattered Space (2024) and a rumored 2025 expansion reinforces this point. The future of game length, therefore, remains a dynamic and evolving aspect of the gaming landscape.