Ex-PS4 Chief on Exclusives & Game Length
- Shawn Layden, who served as Sony playstation's chief from 2014 to 2019, believes console exclusives remain vital for brands like Sony and Nintendo.
- He acknowledged the trade-offs inherent in multiplatform development, noting that coding for multiple systems often necessitates optimizing for the "lowest common denominator." However, exclusives allow developers to "push...
- Layden also addressed the growing trend of increasingly lengthy and expensive game development cycles.
Former PlayStation Chief Shawn Layden Calls for Shorter, More Accessible game Development Cycles
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Published December 28, 2025 at 08:46:51
Layden’s Perspective on Exclusivity
Shawn Layden, who served as Sony playstation’s chief from 2014 to 2019, believes console exclusives remain vital for brands like Sony and Nintendo. He stated in a recent interview with Character Select that the value of strong exclusive titles is undeniable, using Mario for Nintendo and Nathan Drake for Sony as prime examples. “If Mario starts appearing on PlayStation,that’s the apocalypse,” Layden remarked.
He acknowledged the trade-offs inherent in multiplatform development, noting that coding for multiple systems often necessitates optimizing for the “lowest common denominator.” However, exclusives allow developers to “push every lever to 11” and fully utilize a platform’s capabilities. Layden anticipates a continued presence of exclusive titles, particularly recognizing the need for multiplatform releases for massively multiplayer games to maximize player base.
The Case for Shorter Game Development and Playtimes
Layden also addressed the growing trend of increasingly lengthy and expensive game development cycles. He argued for a return to shorter, more focused projects, advocating for game development budgets in the “double-digit millions” rather than “triple-digit millions.” He specifically suggested aiming for game lengths of 20-25 hours of gameplay.
This shift,Layden explained,is driven by a change in the average gamer’s demographic. Historically, gamers were typically younger and had more free time. Now, with an average age in the 30s, gamers are often “time-poor” and may not have the 88 hours required to complete a game like Red Dead Redemption 2.
Game Lengths: A Comparative Look
Recent Game of the Year winners demonstrate a range of playtimes. Shorter titles like astro Bot and It Takes Two typically require around 12 hours to complete. Other critically acclaimed games fall within the 20-30 hour range:
| Game Title | Approximate Main Story Length (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | 20-30 |
| The Last of Us Part II | 20-30 |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | 20-30 |
| God of War | 20-30 |
In contrast, expansive open-world games like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3,and The Witcher 3 demand a minimum of 60 hours, and can easily exceed 180 hours with side quests and exploration.