At GDC 2022, veteran game designer Soren Johnson articulated his firm belief in the merits of operating small game studios. Johnson posits that deliberately embracing extended development timelines, rather than rushing production, is crucial for cultivating a higher standard of game quality. As he succinctly put it, “You get better games if you take longer to make games.”
This philosophy suggests a direct correlation between smaller team sizes, a patient development process, and the ultimate creation of superior interactive experiences. Johnson’s perspective challenges conventional industry pressures to scale up and accelerate, advocating instead for a focused, quality-driven approach. His insights, shared during his appearance at GDC 2022, highlight the profound benefits of prioritizing craftsmanship and thoughtful iteration over speed and expansion in game development.