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Is this game ideal for a first playthrough experience?

Is This the Right Duration for Your First Playthrough? | Players Weigh In

By

Derek James

May 26, 2025, 03:00 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

2 minutes of duration

A young person sitting in front of a gaming console, looking at the screen with curiosity about whether the game is suitable for beginners.
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As more players share their playtime stats, discussions regarding the ideal first-time gaming experience heat up. In recent forum conversations, gamers reflect on their initial journeys, with playtime ranging from a brisk 12 hours to a more leisurely 24 hours.

Players Share Their Insights

Many players chimed in on how long it took them to complete their first playthrough. For some, the numbers are encouraging:

  • "Yep! Pretty average time for your first time. Now embrace the speedrunner inside you and go for sub 2 hours!"

  • Another said, "I spent hours in the shooting galleries, so I had a 20+ hour playthrough my first time."

  • One commenter claimed, "Mine was 17 hours on normal, this is pretty damn good."

Conversely, others noted more extensive playtimes:

  • A user mentioned, "My first run was just under 24 hours, so yeah I think thatโ€™s pretty good."

  • Another shared, "Hell yeah. Pretty sure mine was much longer from all my backtracking"

The Meaning of Playtime

It's clear opinions on playtime vary considerably. While some prioritize speed, others advocate for exploration and enjoyment over getting the quickest score.

"Imo, the first run is about having fun and enjoying the game. If you did that, then yes, thatโ€™s great for a first run."

Some even encourage trying different difficulty levels for added excitement:

  • "Now do it on professional mode! ๐Ÿ˜ˆ"

Recap of Player Feedback

In summary, the conversation reflects diverse gaming priorities:

  • Fast vs. thorough: Players debate the merits of speedrunning versus taking your time.

  • Fun is subjective: Many emphasize the importance of enjoying the experience over just completing it.

  • Adaptability in gaming: The shift to more challenging modes, like professional difficulty, is seen as a way to enhance future playthroughs.

Key Takeaways

  • โญ Majority feel 12-24 hours is a normal first-time experience.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Many prefer to explore rather than rush through.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ "Embrace the speedrunner inside you!" - A driving sentiment in the community.

Future Gameplay Trends

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as more players share their experiences, developers will take note of the preferred playtime lengths. Expect to see future titles designed with these insights in mind, potentially balancing challenge and exploration. With many players enjoying slower play styles, game creators may shift focus towards crafting expansive worlds that encourage wandering. Experts estimate that around 70% of new games could feature mechanics promoting thorough engagement rather than speedrunning, reflecting the community's diverse priorities. Therefore, we could witness an increase in games that provide rewarding exploration incentives, making the first-time experience memorable.

Echoes of the Past

Reflecting on gaming's evolution can bring to mind the shift in consumer culture during the 1990s with video rental services. Just as players transitioned from quick arcade experiences to immersive home gameplay, today's gamers are similarly redefining how they engage with new titles. The embrace of user-generated content and community discussion mirrors how film lovers once debated features of their rented movies. This dynamic donation of feedback and the shared enthusiasm may create a similar community around gaming today, shaping how titles are both played and enjoyed.