The Future of Gaming: Shorter, Standalone Titles like Dying Light: The Beast

According to Tymon Smektała, Franchise Director of the popular Dying Light series, the future of gaming lies in shorter, standalone titles. In a recent interview, Smektała discussed the development of Dying Light: The Beast, which was initially conceived as a DLC for Dying Light 2 but eventually became a separate game. The decision to create a standalone title was made after a significant leak revealed the majority of the story details, potentially spoiling the game for dedicated players. Smektała and his team brainstormed ideas, eventually deciding to create a new project based on some of the concepts from the DLC, but with a fresh approach. The game follows the story of Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light, as he navigates a new narrative with beast-like powers. Smektała emphasizes that Dying Light: The Beast is not Dying Light 3, but rather a unique experience that explores unanswered questions from the previous games. Smektała notes that the game is more compact than a typical AAA title, likening it to a double espresso - concise and intense. This approach is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry, where developers are creating shorter, standalone titles between major releases. Examples include Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. From a player's perspective, Smektała believes that shorter games are more appealing, as they can be completed in a shorter amount of time, making it easier for players to fit gaming into their busy schedules. Dying Light: The Beast is designed to last around 20 hours, striking a balance between being too short and too long. From a developer's perspective, creating shorter games can be more alluring, as it allows for shorter development cycles, reduced costs, and the ability to experiment with new ideas. Smektała argues that the industry is shifting towards this approach, and that shorter games will become a more significant part of the gaming landscape. The decision to release Dying Light: The Beast on previous-generation consoles was driven by the desire to reach as many players as possible, including those who own the Ultimate Edition and would receive the game for free. Smektała acknowledges that this approach may not be typical, but it is essential for the game's success and player satisfaction.