Rethinking Game Longevity
In a recent discussion with the YouTube channel Going Indie, John “Bucky” Buckley, the community manager for Pocketpair’s Palworld, addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the concept of “dead games.” Buckley challenged the prevailing notion that a game’s success is solely determined by its ability to maintain a high player count over time. He articulated a perspective that encourages gamers to embrace breaks from their favorite titles, stating, “I don’t think it really serves anyone to push gamers to play the same game, day in and day out.”
This isn’t the first time Buckley has confronted the stigma associated with dwindling player numbers. Earlier this year, Palworld faced scrutiny as its player base transitioned from millions to tens of thousands—a figure that, while concerning to some, is still considered robust within the broader gaming community. Buckley labeled the “dead game” discourse as “lazy,” emphasizing that it’s perfectly acceptable for players to step away from games without fear of judgment.
He further explained that Palworld is not currently in a position to release a significant volume of new content, urging players to recalibrate their expectations. Buckley reiterated, “It’s not healthy for us” to feel compelled to engage with the same game continuously. He argued that such pressure can be detrimental to both developers and gamers, leading to a cycle where games are expected to attract players indefinitely. This, he warns, could result in a proliferation of “soulless live service games” that ultimately fail and shut down shortly after launch.
Drawing on insights from French theorist Paul Virilio, Buckley highlighted a shift in the gaming industry’s narrative. Historically, a game that lost its player base was simply considered “a game.” However, the rise of games-as-services has transformed this perception, imposing unrealistic expectations on titles to sustain player engagement indefinitely. Buckley advocates for a more balanced approach, suggesting that players should invest in indie games, regardless of their current player counts. He believes that supporting smaller titles could help reshape the industry and the conversations surrounding it.
While it remains to be seen whether this perspective will gain traction, Buckley’s call to action serves as a reminder of the natural lifecycle of video games and the importance of fostering a more inclusive and understanding gaming culture.
