In a recent interview with Eurogamer, former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden stated that the rising costs of game development have reached unsustainable levels. Layden believes that game developers should focus on creating smaller games, especially since the number of game buyers is not growing rapidly.
Layden pointed out that with each new generation, the cost of building a game doubles. What used to cost $1 million on the PS1 now costs $16 million on the PS4. He predicts that the cost of developing games for the PS5 could eventually reach $300 million to $400 million, which he deems unsustainable.
Layden compared the current state of AAA game development to building cathedrals in the 18th century – expensive and unsustainable. He suggests that developers should focus on creating shorter games, as the average age of gamers has increased, and many no longer have the time to invest in lengthy gameplay experiences.
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