The Evolution of Video Games: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Image credits: Obsidian

The video game industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of longer games and increased development costs. This trend has led to a potential crisis in game completion and player engagement, as players struggle to finish games due to their sheer size and complexity. The concept of a "backlog" has become a common phenomenon, where players accumulate a collection of unfinished or unplayed games, often due to the overwhelming amount of content available. According to analyst Rhys Elliott from Midia Research, the trend towards longer games has been "an insidious creep over time," with games getting bigger each year, resulting in an "insane jump in game length" over the past decade.

One of the primary concerns with longer games is the impact on player engagement and completion rates. Research suggests that as few as 10% of players who buy a game make it to the end, with many players abandoning games due to their length or complexity. This has led to a growing concern among game developers and publishers, as they struggle to balance the need for engaging and immersive gameplay with the pressure to deliver value for money. Some games, such as the popular Assassin's Creed series, have seen a significant increase in game length, with the 2020 release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla taking anywhere from 60 to 100-plus hours to complete. However, this increased length has not necessarily translated to higher completion rates, with many players struggling to finish the game due to its sheer size and complexity.

Despite these challenges, there are signs that the industry is starting to adapt to the changing needs of players. Some game developers, such as Obsidian, are experimenting with new approaches to game design, including the creation of shorter, more focused games that prioritize player engagement and completion. The recently released game Avowed, for example, has been designed to accommodate players who want a shorter game, with a quick playthrough taking around 15 hours and completing all extra optional content taking around 40 hours. This approach has been praised by players and critics alike, who appreciate the game's respect for player time and its focus on delivering a high-quality, engaging experience. The game's director, Carrie Patel, notes that the studio has tried to design Avowed to be a game that "respects player's time," with a focus on delivering a valuable and immersive experience that players can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.

Another approach being explored by game developers is the concept of giving players a choice in how they play the game. This can include options for shorter or longer playthroughs, as well as the ability to customize the game's difficulty and complexity to suit individual player preferences. The game Avowed, for example, allows players to respec their character's stats and skills at any time, giving them the freedom to experiment with different playstyles and approaches. This flexibility has been praised by players, who appreciate the ability to play the game in a way that suits their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, the game's use of a parkour system, which allows players to navigate the game world in a more fluid and dynamic way, has been praised for its innovation and creativity. The game's worldbuilding and character writing have also been highlighted as key strengths, with players and critics alike praising the game's immersive and engaging storyline.

In conclusion, the video game industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of game completion and player engagement, driven by the trend towards longer games and increased development costs. However, there are signs that the industry is adapting to these changes, with game developers experimenting with new approaches to game design and player choice. By prioritizing player engagement and completion, and giving players the freedom to play games in a way that suits their individual needs and preferences, the industry can create more immersive, engaging, and rewarding experiences for players. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how game developers and publishers respond to these challenges, and what innovative solutions they come up with to address the needs of players.