As the gaming industry grapples with its post-pandemic realities, industry veteran Shawn Layden, former chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has shared his perspective on the challenges developers face today. In an interview with Eurogamer, Layden highlighted the unsustainable rise in game development costs and a disconnect between the industry and its evolving player base.

Layden identified the soaring expenses of creating games as a key issue. With each console generation, the cost of game development has doubled. A PlayStation 1 title might have cost $1 million to produce, but for the PlayStation 4 era, a top-tier game often required $150 million, excluding marketing. For the PlayStation 5, those figures could escalate to $300-400 million, a trend Layden deemed financially untenable.

This challenge is compounded by a shift in gamer demographics. Players who once had abundant time but limited money in their late teens and early twenties are now in their 30s, with more disposable income but far less time to dedicate to lengthy games. Despite this shift, the industry continues to churn out expansive titles requiring dozens, if not hundreds, of hours to complete, creating what Layden described as a “mismatch” with reality.

Layden likened the current state of AAA game development to the excessive construction of cathedrals in the 18th century—grand and awe-inspiring, but unsustainable. Instead, he advocated for a simpler, more focused approach: shorter, more engaging games. He envisions titles with around 18 to 23 hours of gameplay that captivate players so intensely they can’t put the controller down, much like the adrenaline-pumping moments in Resident Evil.

To adapt and thrive, Layden believes the gaming industry must rethink its priorities, balancing immersive experiences with manageable development costs. By focusing on quality over quantity, the industry might find a sustainable path forward that resonates with today’s time-strapped gamers.