In a recent interview with VG247, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s senior game director, Ryan Smith, shed light on the game’s anticipated playtime. Smith’s insights reveal a deliberate choice by the development team to prioritize quality over quantity in this upcoming PS5 action title.
A Familiar Playtime Range
Smith disclosed that “Spider-Man 2 is in the same ballpark as the first game in terms of overall playtime.” To put this into perspective, the original Marvel’s Spider-Man typically required about 17 hours to complete its main story, according to data from HowLongToBeat.com. For those who delved deeper into side quests and exploration, the playtime could extend to around 25 hours. Smith mentioned that his own playthrough fell somewhere in between at approximately 21 hours, marking a clear departure from lengthier gaming experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Quality Trumps Quantity
Smith emphasized the development team’s intention to avoid turning Spider-Man 2 into an 80-100 hour marathon. Instead, they aim to deliver an experience focused on storytelling excellence. “We want to tell amazing stories, the best we can. We want to make every mission really, really memorable,” said Smith. This approach prioritizes creating impactful moments over expanding the game’s duration extensively.
Elevating the Storytelling
Insomniac Games, the developer behind Spider-Man 2, aspires to provide a more tightly focused narrative. Smith explained, “We really thought about how to make each of the [story] moments… a little more epic, or a little deeper, or a little more story-integrated.” This commitment to enhancing storytelling within the game hints at a deeper and more emotionally resonant Spider-Man experience.
Evolving Open-World Design
Smith also touched upon the developer’s approach to open-world design in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. He noted that Insomniac Games is continuously evolving its strategy. The goal is to ensure that every discovery in the game world contributes to the overarching story. This strategy aligns with player preferences, as previous titles that integrated story elements into the open world received positive responses from players.
October 20 Arrival
The highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is set to swing onto the PS5 on October 20. With the release date rapidly approaching, fans can be reassured that the franchise’s signature focus on storytelling and a more personal approach to Spider-Man’s adventures remains intact.
