Former PS boss calls for shorter games with worse graphics

‘What does three years and a 15-hour game look like? What would be the cost around that? Is that a full-throated experience? Personally, as an older gamer, I would welcome a return to the 12-to-15-hour [AAA] game,’ he said.

On the second major point, he stated that modern pre-requisites for advanced ray-tracing and 60 to 120 FPS need ousting. ‘We’re in the realm of differences that only dogs can hear,’ he said. ‘Maybe that’s not where the emphasis should be anymore.’

Conceding that companies probably shouldn’t ‘say the quiet part out loud’ regarding making shorter and more technologically conservative games, Layden suggested that a central focus on building great characters, fun activities, and a riveting story will save companies money while better satisfying gamers.

Alone in the Dark developer Pieces Interactive has been shut down by Embracer Group after the game failed to meet expectations. https://t.co/kwEnZd1U99 pic.twitter.com/dAHXWUBj9x

— IGN (@IGN) June 17, 2024

The constant layoffs in gaming as well as studios going under off the back of a single AAA title flop shows that the industry is as volatile as ever, but Layden’s pathway to a more equitable future seems somewhat pie in the sky – especially, when you’re aware of gaming communities and the general online discourse.

A precedent has ultimately been set. You may be able to introduce fresh IPs that utilise this approach, but any drop off in technological quality or bang-for-buck from existing properties will go down like a lead balloon.

Flicking a switch just isn’t feasible considering Microsoft has decided to roll out a feast of AAA first-party titles on Game Pass over the next 18 months. The expectations of what constitutes ‘value for money’ is about to change again, as folk don’t have to pay $70 at launch to enjoy blockbuster experiences.

Context aside, a publisher or developer should always strive to create fresh, exciting, and polished experiences. If a game is good at its core and its studio is able to read the room, it will succeed on merit and therefore financially.

The suggestion that a baseline for the modern AAA game is to have boundary-pushing graphics and provide 100 hours of riveting gameplay is, in my opinion, grossly exaggerated. Just look at Doom Eternal.

Besides, presiding over a slew of remakes and remasters for the same game over the last decade (at full price) hardly bolsters the argument. The market is challenging, but the shout for an industry-wide reckoning has a touch of sour grapes about it.