Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developer Ondřej Bittner believes that dense games with complex mechanics are beneficial for the industry and players. In contrast, Bittner thinks that long games become repetitive when individual sessions feel similar, regardless of their total runtime. The game’s design aims to balance accessibility with depth, offering a unique experience with varied gameplay elements like exploration, combat, and puzzles.
Bittner’s stance on the topic comes at a time when many well-known executives and designers argue that extremely long games are out of place or even fatiguing today. Bittner counters this by pointing out that some long games may simply be running out of ideas, and that players’ expectations have changed with the rise of more diverse gaming experiences.
To illustrate his point, Bittner compares Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to other notable RPGs like Elden Ring and The Legend of Zelda series. He suggests that these games often provide high-quality, unique entertainment despite their length, as long as they offer varied gameplay mechanics and emergent storytelling opportunities.
Bittner also acknowledges the polarizing nature of some games, citing his own struggles with Elden Ring’s combat mechanics. Despite not being able to play it himself, he recognizes its value for players who can overcome challenges in a way that suits them.
Ultimately, Bittner believes that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 strikes a balance between complexity and accessibility, making it a welcoming hardcore game for players of all skill levels. The game’s success is a testament to this approach, as it has sold over 1 million copies and recouped its development costs within a day.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-dev-says-the-rpg-is-a-welcoming-hardcore-game-and-he-can-never-understand-how-people-play-elden-ring-im-just-not-good-at-the-combat