Former PlayStation Exec Calls for Shorter Games to Address Rising Development Costs

Shawn Layden warns that ballooning budgets and lengthy game designs are unsustainable for the industry’s future.

Shawn Layden, ex-chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment, argues that the increasing cost of game development is unsustainable, with PS5 games potentially reaching $300–$400 million in production costs.
Layden suggests shorter games, around 18–23 hours, as a solution to reduce costs and better engage time-constrained players.
He criticizes the industry’s focus on 100-hour games, calling it a mismatch for the aging gamer demographic, who are often time-poor.
Layden compares the current state of AAA gaming to building cathedrals, questioning the value of massive, resource-intensive projects when many players don’t finish the games.
He advocates for compelling, focused gameplay experiences that encourage more players to complete games while addressing the growing competition from platforms like TikTok.