Do Players Really Have So Much Time To Play Games?
According to Clawsomegamer, a recent study shows that 40% of PC players play less than 5 hours a week, while console players play slightly more than PC players. In addition, 39% of console players play 10 hours a week.
Players Don’t Spend Much Time Playing Games
Key points of the study:
- Two-thirds of PC and console players play less than 10 hours a week.
- 36% of console players play less than 5 hours a week.
- 40% of PC players play less than 5 hours a week.
This study raises an important question: Are games too long now? Is this the reason why players play less? Is the game too long?
The study believes that many modern 3A games are too long for players with daily jobs. The data also supports this view, showing that most players (especially PC and console players) play less than 10 hours a week, and a considerable number of them even play less than 5 hours.
This means that 100-hour RPGs, sprawling open-world games, and bloated online service models are no longer viable for most players.
The problem isn’t just that games are too long, but that people generally believe that games have to be big to be worth the money. The report notes that the average length of games is increasing year after year, but not all players are able to complete these lengthy games. Trophy and achievement data also confirm this: as game time increases, completion rates decrease, and players are less likely to buy sequels.
Games Need To Change
Some recent games, such as Avowed, have begun offering players the choice of a 15-hour lightweight narrative experience or a 40-hour cinematic adventure, which may be one solution.
If more games adopt this model, it may narrow the gap between time-poor players and those who prefer longer experiences.
Another revelation is that the game industry should rethink its obsession with game length. Instead of extending game time with resource-consuming filler content, it is better to sell shorter, more compact experiences. For older gamers who have jobs, families, and other responsibilities, their time is not so flexible.
In addition, games should also focus on cultivating their own players. Each generation of players has its own game. Mario, Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, League of Legends, Fortnite... Players will not and cannot play your game all the time. Instead of filling the game with redundant and complicated content, it is better to focus on how to attract new players. Just adding to old games will only result in players who want to play not having time to play, and players who have time not wanting to play.
