· 1 min read
The advantage of shorter games for players and developers
The many advantages of short games over a life-time commitment.
Why Short Games Feel So Satisfying (for Players and Developers)
In this episode of the UI Buzz podcast, I reflect on the satisfaction of short games compared to long-running open-world experiences like World of Warcraft. I explain how shorter games, often idle or progressive titles found on places like itch.io can be completed in a few hours or days, letting players finish, enjoy, and move on.
These games also benefit developers by requiring less content, enabling clear end goals, and reducing the risk of projects never being finished, especially for solo creators.
This is why game jams work well due to tight time limits that prevent major scope creep. With attention harder to earn and keep, I believe short games can provide a more reliable win for both players and developers.