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Miyamoto Says Today's Games Too Long
CNN Money's Game On column has an interview with legendary designer Miyamoto in which the respected Mario-maker says that today's games are just too long to capture his interest. From the article: "There's not a lot I want to play now...A lot of the games out there are just too long. Of course, there are games, such as 'Halo' or 'Grand Theft Auto,' that are big and expansive. But if you're not interested in spending that time with them, you're not going to play." Commentary on the column at Press the Buttons.
I think if a person just wants a quick little 10 minute burst of entertainment, they should buy one of the countless games available that offer that kind of play. Especially on the various GameBoy platforms.
If a person wants a deep, involved game, then they should buy one of those. I mean, there's no real shortage of either style, so I don't know where he's getting this. Anyway, the average gamer probably plays at least a couple hours per sitting, so the point is moot.
As for the over all length of a game - it better be pretty fucking long or immensely replayable. I hate paying $50 to $80 for a game that I can beat in a day or a week.
As for GTA... It just proves that people are easily impressed. I'm tired of hearing people say "it's totally open-ended. You can do ANYTHING YOU WANT". No you can't. You have clear objectives, clear limitations and clear side games. Just because you can smack people around, work a taxi or an ambulance and shoot people doesn't make it "open ended". Life is open ended. Being able to pick form Sean John and Adidas clothing for my afro-haired avatar is NOT open-ended gameplay.