Fetch quests and filler: make videogames short again

In the last 10 years or so gaming has become increasingly obsessed with the concept of the open world, including some of the highest profile linear franchises buying into the idea that bigger is better. 

But as someone who finds my free time limited outside of the multiple plates I spin at any given time, less is almost always more. 

Too many games now boast well over 100 hours of gameplay, often inflated by filler content, time taken for players to travel between locations, and repetitive, soulless fetch quests and errands. 

My relationship with open world games changed when I took on Assassins Creed Odyssey. Odyssey’s sprawling, seemingly infinite map - as beautiful as it is massive - was something to behold. Until it wasn’t. 

Sailing across the sun-soaked Aegean as I neared the end of the game, consulting maps and walkthroughs as I island-hopped my way to 100%, I was genuinely overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the game; there was always another collectible. That Playstation trophy always stayed just out of reach. 

But with each identical treasure chest opened, and every temple ticked off the list, it became less of a goal and more of an obligation. More job than hobby. ‘What is the point?’, I found myself asking. 

Now, I only bother purchasing or starting a game if I know there’s a chance I can finish it within a few months, while the idea of replaying old favourites like Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2 is unthinkable. 

Meanwhile, Death Stranding intimidates me so much that it sits collecting digital dust in my Playstation library, where it will likely stay without ever being loaded up. 

I have also had to accept that I will likely never 100% another open world game again. This irks me as I don’t like to leave things unfinished, but if I ever hope to play more than one game a year, I’ve got no choice. 

On the other hand, games that can be polished off in 15 hours or so are like gold dust. Whether it’s indie titles like What Remains of Edith Finch, or triple-A titles such as The Last of Us, there are plenty of examples that quality is so much more important than quantity. A more linear style doesn’t have to detract from the experience. 

Give me a well-paced game with a well-written story - not hundreds of hours of ‘exploration’ and a never ending treasure hunt for collectibles that rewards you with nothing but aggravated OCD and yet another skin.