Masahiro Sakurai Wisely Notes That Long Games Aren’t Always What Players Want

Game Length Isn't Everything

In a recent interview, Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the "Super Smash Bros." series, shared his thoughts on the length of video games. He pointed out that while some players may appreciate long games that offer plenty of content to explore, others may prefer shorter experiences that can be easily completed.

Sakurai also noted that the length of a game should be tailored to its specific genre and target audience. For example, a role-playing game (RPG) may benefit from a longer playtime to allow players to fully immerse themselves in the world and story, while a casual game may be better suited to shorter play sessions.

Ultimately, Sakurai believes that the best game length is the one that provides the most enjoyment to the player. He encourages developers to consider the target audience and genre when determining the length of their games.

The Benefits of Shorter Games

• More accessible: Shorter games are more accessible to casual players who may not have a lot of time to invest in a long game.
• Less repetitive: Shorter games are less likely to become repetitive, as there is less content to stretch out.
• More focused: Shorter games can be more focused, as there is less need to include filler content.
• More replayable: Shorter games are more likely to be replayed, as they can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

The Benefits of Longer Games

• More immersive: Longer games can be more immersive, as they give players more time to explore the world and story.
• More content: Longer games offer more content to explore, which can be appealing to players who want to get the most bang for their buck.
• More challenging: Longer games can be more challenging, as they require players to invest more time and effort to complete them.
• More rewarding: Longer games can be more rewarding, as they give players a sense of accomplishment for completing a difficult task.

How to Determine the Right Game Length

The best way to determine the right game length is to consider the target audience and genre. For example, a casual game may be better suited to a shorter length, while an RPG may benefit from a longer length.

It is also important to consider the pacing of the game. A game that is too short may feel rushed, while a game that is too long may feel dragged out. The pacing should be consistent throughout the game, and it should keep players engaged from beginning to end.

Ultimately, the best game length is the one that provides the most enjoyment to the player. Developers should consider the target audience and genre when determining the length of their games, and they should focus on creating a game that is both engaging and rewarding.