Former PS4 Chief Discusses Game Exclusives and Length

Shawn Layden, the former president of Sony PlayStation from 2014 to 2019, spoke recently about the future of game exclusives and the challenges of game development. Layden succeeded Jack Tretton and led PlayStation during its successful PS4 era. He exited just before the launch of the PS5, passing the leadership role to Jim Ryan.

Game Exclusives: A Vital Component

Layden expressed his belief that game exclusives remain crucial for both Sony and Nintendo. He noted, “While not every game needs to be console exclusive, strong exclusives provide significant brand value.” He emphasized that characters like Mario and Nathan Drake heighten the appeal of their respective platforms.

He explained the technical implications of creating games for multiple platforms. “Coding across various systems often results in a compromise, as developers must cater to the lowest common denominator,” Layden stated. He believes that exclusive titles allow developers to optimize performance and features for a specific platform.

The Need for Shorter Game Development Cycles

In addition to discussing exclusives, Layden addressed the lengthy game development cycles that are common today. He argued for a return to producing games in a two to three-year timeframe. Layden highlighted the importance of reducing production costs, advocating for games to be developed for a budget in the low tens of millions rather than hundreds of millions.

He observed a shift in gamer demographics. “The average gamer’s age has increased to their 30s, meaning they are more time-poor than before,” he said. Layden pointed out that games should ideally last between 20 to 25 hours. This runtime appeals more to players who may not have the time to invest in lengthy games like ‘Red Dead Redemption 2.’

Current Game Length Trends

• Shortest Game of the Year Winners:
  • Astro Bot: Around 12 hours
  • It Takes Two: Around 12 hours
• Main Story Lengths:
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • The Last of Us Part II
  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
  • God of War: Approximately 20-30 hours
• Longer Titles:
  • Elden Ring: About 60 hours minimum
  • Baldur’s Gate 3: Approximately 60 hours minimum
  • The Witcher 3: Around 60 hours minimum, easily triple with side quests

Layden’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of video gaming, particularly regarding exclusivity and development timelines. As the industry adapts, returning to shorter games may resonate well with today’s gamers, who seek balance between time investment and engaging content.