I wonder (and I ask you advice): What is the ''ideal'' lenght for a multi-player game? The game which I think about is (will be) a real-time tactical game (somewhat like the combat part of a RTS: remove the slow-paced strategy, it stays the fast-paced tactics.) that will be fast-paced and very intense: the player will not have a rest during the game (except minor variations of pace that can be ignored for the current purpose). The player will feel in a hurry to achieve the victory conditions. I guess that 20 to 30 minutes would be a good lenght for an ''average'' game: the game must be long enough to allow more than one tactic and more than one battle and some reversals of the situation. But if the game is too long the player will be less focused, which, because of the ''always intense'' oriented gameplay, must be avoided. But 20 to 30 minutes is only a guess, and if you have an advice (or links to some articles) , it will be helpful.

I think a multiplayer game like StarCraft should last around 30 minutes to an hour and a half. As long as there is enough variety. But maybe 2 or 3 games actually take place, making the logged on time around 3 hours.

Playing FPS''s, I might stay on for about 2 hours if I''m doing well, or things are going well generally. Sometimes the mood can break after a map is done, so I might only be on a half hour.

Games likes EverQuest, though, I could be logged on 5-6 hours. If not a lot was happening, I might log off after 30 minutes.

Thanks, I think I will go with 40 mn.