In the vibrant world of gaming discussions on social media, certain topics consistently ignite spirited debates among developers, journalists, influencers, and fans alike. One such topic that often resurfaces is the contentious issue of game length and its perceived value. While many conversations tend to circle back to familiar arguments, the question of how much we should care about the duration of a game remains a point of contention for many players.
The roots of this debate stretch back beyond the age of social media, with notable instances like the release of Gone Home in 2013. This was a pivotal moment when indie games began to gain significant respect within the industry, challenging the notion of what players should expect in terms of price and length. The conversation evolved further with titles such as The Order 1886, which faced scrutiny for its six-hour campaign priced at . More recently, discussions surrounding Ratchet & Clank: A Rift Apart highlighted the backlash against its shorter runtime despite a premium price tag.
While it’s not customary for me to scrutinize every game’s HowLongtoBeat page before making a purchase, I recognize a pattern in my preferences. My favorite genres—immersive sims, stealth games, multiplayer FPSes, co-op shooters, and open-world action RPGs—tend to be those that offer extensive gameplay experiences. Although I appreciate the artistry of shorter adventure games like The Invincible () or Indika (), I often find myself hesitating to invest in them, feeling an unspoken pressure to justify the purchase.
The good kind of value
Despite my inclination to celebrate the artistic achievements of games like The Invincible and Indika, I must admit that the amount of time I can derive from a game plays a significant role in my overall assessment of its quality. This sentiment is likely shared by many, even if we are reluctant to acknowledge it.
Complaining that a game costs too much for its length is gauche, yet no one complains when a cheap game is praised for being a great value.
Take, for instance, Vampire Survivors, an indie sensation from 2022 that has sparked countless conversations about its remarkable value at just . This goodwill has carried over into positive reviews for its expansions, which offer additional content at a mere .50 each. This year, similar sentiments are being expressed about Helldivers 2, a co-op shooter that has garnered praise for its substantial content at launch, and Balatro, a poker roguelite that captivated players for an entire month. The latter, priced at , has been lauded for its depth, especially after players discover the wealth of content available even after hours of gameplay.
Perhaps my reluctance to invest in shorter games stems from a personal preference for those built on intricate systems and mechanics, which can provide endless entertainment, as opposed to narrative-driven experiences that may be consumed in just a few sittings. The diversity of PC gaming allows for a rich tapestry of experiences, where both expansive titles like Teardown and concise gems like Immortality coexist, each offering unique value at similar price points.
There are occasions when a narrative game transcends the importance of its length; Disco Elysium, for example, captivated me so thoroughly that I replayed it multiple times after purchasing it for . In these instances, the quality of the experience outweighs the quantity of hours spent. The thrill of discovering a great game at an affordable price can evoke a sense of triumph, akin to finding a remarkable deal on a beloved product.
Conversely, completing an expensive game that only occupied my time for a brief period often leads to disappointment, reminiscent of a local sandwich shop that charges exorbitantly for half-subs that, while tasty, leave me wanting more. Yet, the same establishment may delight others who appreciate their perfectly portioned offerings. This illustrates the diverse preferences that exist among gamers. Ultimately, it is natural to feel let down by games that do not meet our expectations, especially when we have come to value the experiences that offer more than we paid for.
