Technology has increased our expectation for immediate gratification when we use free time. Time Constraints: People are always becoming more and more restrained for time. There are a multitude of reasons which contribute to this threshold, but lets look at three reasons why the current market may favor shorter games: The midpoint which divides these segments seems to be right around 90 minutes. Games that require several hours to play will eliminate a group of gamers strained for time. Games with a shorter listed playing time may have fewer components and expectations of a lower price point. The length of a game is frequently a deciding factor for consumers in determining whether a new game is something for them. All things considered, if a game can deliver the same experience in a shorter amount of time it will be played more often, receive more attention and garner greater commercial success. Game design should focus less on the duration of a game and more on how much a person gains from playing it, better described as time value. This includes prioritizing an investment with true value: a player’s time. Every game carries with it an expectation as game designers have a responsibility to maximize the experience of their players. Short games are sometimes considered fillers and sandwiched between two longer and more immersive games. Games are frequently categorized by their length. This week we are looking at game length, the time commitment needed in order to reach completion. This month we have been exploring Dimensions of Gaming, which are criteria such as player count and game complexity frequently used before a purchase to determine if a game is right for you.