The Longest Video Game Ever

by Jhon Lennon 28 views

Hey gamers, ever wondered what it would take to truly conquer a video game? Not just beat the final boss, but to spend an unfathomable amount of time in a virtual world? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the realm of the longest video game ever made. This isn't your casual weekend playthrough; we're talking about titles that demand dedication, patience, and maybe even a little bit of your sanity. So, if you're looking for a challenge that will test the limits of your gaming endurance, you've come to the right place. We'll explore what makes these games so incredibly lengthy and whether they're worth the massive time investment. Get ready to discover the true meaning of a 'long haul' in the gaming universe!

What Defines a 'Long' Video Game?

Alright guys, let's get real for a second. When we talk about the longest video game ever, what are we even measuring? Is it just the main story, or do we include all those side quests, collectibles, and grinds that seem to stretch on for eternity? Generally, when gamers and critics discuss game length, they're referring to the estimated time it takes for an average player to complete the main story objectives. However, for games that qualify as the absolute longest, the completionists and completionists of completionists often spend hundreds, if not thousands, of hours exploring every nook and cranny. We're talking about games that can easily surpass 100 hours just for the main campaign, and then offer hundreds more for those who want to see and do absolutely everything. Think about games with procedural generation that can theoretically go on forever, or massive open worlds with so much content that you could live in them. It’s not just about a long story; it’s about a deep, expansive world that keeps you engaged (or perhaps, stuck) for an absurd amount of time. So, when we crown a champion for the longest video game ever, we're considering the sheer scale of content, the depth of exploration possible, and the commitment required to see a significant portion, if not all, of what the game has to offer. It's a commitment that goes beyond mere entertainment and ventures into a lifestyle choice for some.

The Titans of Time: Candidates for the Longest Game

When you start digging into the games that claim the title of the longest video game ever, a few giants immediately come to mind. And no, we're not just talking about your average 60-hour RPG here. We're talking about games that laugh in the face of conventional playtime. Let's break down some of the most notorious contenders that have consumed countless hours of players' lives:

  • Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition: While the base game can be completed in around 40-50 hours, the Royal Edition with all its DLC and expansions, plus the sheer amount of side content and exploration, can easily push your playtime well over 100 hours, especially if you're aiming for 100% completion. The world of Eos is vast, and the journey of the four princes is one that many players get lost in for an extended period.

  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Ah, Skyrim. This is a classic example of a game that can be completed relatively quickly, but very few people actually do. With countless quests, factions to join, skills to master, and mods that add even more content, a single playthrough can easily stretch into hundreds of hours. Many players have dedicated thousands of hours to Skyrim, becoming legends in their own right within the game's vast world.

  • Grand Theft Auto V: The single-player story might wrap up in about 30-40 hours, but the real time sink is GTA Online. This ever-evolving beast offers an endless stream of missions, heists, businesses to manage, and vehicles to acquire. Players have sunk thousands of hours into customizing their criminal empires and causing mayhem in Los Santos. It's a testament to persistent content updates keeping players engaged for years.

  • World of Warcraft: This isn't just a game; it's a commitment. For over a decade, World of Warcraft has been a dominant force in the MMORPG genre. Players invest thousands upon thousands of hours leveling up characters, raiding dungeons, completing quests, and participating in world events. The sheer breadth of content, expansions, and social interaction ensures that the journey in Azeroth never truly ends for its most dedicated players.

  • EVE Online: If you thought WoW was a time sink, EVE Online takes it to a whole new stratosphere. Known for its complex player-driven economy, massive space battles, and intricate political maneuvering, EVE Online players can spend years honing their skills, building fleets, and engaging in corporate warfare. It's less a game and more a virtual existence for its most dedicated inhabitants, where real-world time investment translates directly into in-game power and influence.

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (with expansions): The base game alone is a hefty 50-70 hour experience, but adding the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions easily pushes that towards 100-150 hours for a thorough playthrough. The world is dense with meaningful quests, rich lore, and challenging combat, making it easy to get lost in Geralt's adventures for a truly epic journey.

These games represent the pinnacle of long playtime, offering worlds so vast and content so deep that they become destinations in themselves. They challenge your commitment and reward your perseverance with experiences that few other games can match. So, which one are you brave enough to tackle?

The Undisputed Champion: Microsoft Flight Simulator (and its Endless Potential)

Now, when we talk about the absolute longest video game ever, we need to consider a different kind of beast entirely. Forget linear stories or even massive open worlds with finite quests. We're talking about a game that, in theory, could last forever: Microsoft Flight Simulator. Released in its latest iteration, this game utilizes satellite data and Bing Maps to create a fully explorable, 1:1 scale replica of the entire planet Earth. That's right, guys, every continent, every country, every city, every mountain, and every ocean is rendered in stunning detail, ready for you to fly over. The