Do you have a preference for game length?

[MrPopo]

It really depends on the game and the genre. Most of the games I play have a story component to them, so if the story and characters are good I like it when it goes on the longer end. I don't want to get to the end and be like "Wait, that was it? I barely started!" At the same time, I've played games (like the Emma story of FM3) where it starts to feel like the storyline was padded to increase the game length. A well executed long diversion from the original goal is good, like in Infinite Space. But a bad one feels like the characters get distracted by shiny things.

[Hatta]

Length doesn't matter as much as you'd think, as long as it's used properly.

[MidnightRider]

Well, at least I'm sure this site is mature enough that ^ that isn't going to set up a genitals joke...

[Harvey]

Length doesn't matter as much as you'd think, as long as it's used properly.

Still true with games. I could have played Shadow of the Colossus, God of War 1 and 2, and Galaxy for 50 hours each and not gotten tired of them, granted new bosses/levels were being introduced. The games were paced perfectly for my tastes, keeping me from getting bored or overwhelmed. Generally though, if a game is just good for me and not great, I dig 6-12 hours.

[dsheinem]

These are the ideal for me:

shmups = 30 minutes-1 hour
Fighting games = 30-45 minutes
FPSs = 8-12 hours
RPGs = 20-30 hours
Third Person Shooter - 8-12 hours
2D Platformer = 1-2 hours
3D Platformer = 5-10 hours
2D Brawlers/Run N Gun - 1-2 hours
Sports or racing games = finish a single game/series of 3 or 4 races in 30-45 minutes

Obviously some can be shorter or longer and still be awesome, and indeed some of my favorites are. However, these times tend to be the sweet spot for me...

[avrame]

For me, it's all about the endless type of games that have a solid (albeit, short) campaign/single player:

RPG - 20-30 hours + INFINITE dungeon, ala Lufia 2, Star Ocean or Infinite Undiscovery. Story lines can only hold my attention for so long before I feel its dragged out. Also, I love the infinite dungeon aspect, start at level 1 or something, find new equipment to use, or beef up your character to godlike levels.

FPS - 5-10 hour campaign + engrossing Multiplayer elements. Sure it may not work with all FPSes, but multiplayer is where I see the bang for the buck.

Racing - ?? hours for career or story, + plus random off the wall game mode, like Mario Kart's battle mode, or Burnout's Road Rage mode. Ah yes... Road rage...

[Michi]

I think I'm with the majority of others here, in that it depends on the type of game, but generally I like my games to be around the 15-20hr mark.

[saturnfan]

Traditionally I have always wanted my games to be longer, but since I am finding my self with more games and less time to play them, I have been appreciating shorter games lately.

[final fight cd]

as dsh has stated, a lot of it depends on the genre. but, i do like my games that i can complete in one sitting. somewhere <40 minutes.

i just find it hard now-a-days to want to sit down and play a game for hours upon end. i want to play FFVII again, but the thought of having to log 40-50 hours into it is kind of holding me back from popping it in.

[Dylan]

I'll agree with the consensus on genre dependency, but there's another big factor for me: how much I enjoy the game. I can play a game that only qualifies as decent and have fun with it, but only to a certain point. Length ruins lesser titles for me, I like the experience of playing through a new game and enjoying it for what it is, but the longer a game takes the more it'd better be able to hold my attention. Conversely, if I'm really enjoying a game, I get the feeling that I don't want it to end too soon.

Another factor is the actual reason that the game is as long as it is. If we're talking about Disgaea with 200 hours of leveling up as the reason for game length, then forget it. Anything that adds to the game's length at the expense of being a chore is a negative mark in my book.