Team Asobi has captured the attention of the gaming world with their Astro Bot series, a game that goes against the modern trend of large-scale titles. Instead of focusing on big, sprawling games, they chose to create something smaller in size, and this decision seems to have worked in their favor.
Why Smaller Games Are Better
In a recent discussion at the Game Developers Conference, Nicolas Doucet, the head of Team Asobi, shared his thoughts on the current gaming landscape. He pointed out that many players already have a backlog of games waiting to be played. This is due in part to the rise of digital distribution over the past decade, with players often buying games on sale through platforms like Steam or Humble Bundle. These discounts encourage players to buy many games, but they may not start playing them right away, leaving little room for larger titles.
Doucet argued that smaller games might be a better way to capture the attention of players. Because they are shorter, they are easier to pick up and play, which is appealing to gamers with growing backlogs.
The Benefits of Making Smaller Games
Another advantage of smaller games, according to Doucet, is the flexibility they offer developers. When working on smaller titles, developers don’t have to create as much content, which allows them to pay closer attention to details. This results in a higher-quality game that is more polished. Doucet believes that focusing on creating shorter, more compact games benefits both developers and players, as it leads to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Regarding Astro Bot, Doucet clarified that the team didn’t focus on creating a game based on how many hours of playtime it would offer. Instead, they prioritized maintaining a consistent quality and ensuring that every level met the same high standards. The goal was never to simply extend the gameplay to make it seem longer, but to deliver a great experience in a shorter amount of time.
