Pacing is one of the most underrated aspects of game design. It’s not just about how fast or slow the action unfolds, but how a game balances intensity, exploration, story beats, and quiet moments. Done well, pacing creates a rhythm that keeps players engaged. Poor pacing, by contrast, can lead to fatigue or disinterest.

In narrative-heavy games like The Last of Us or Red Dead Redemption 2, pacing helps develop emotional arcs. Action scenes are often followed by quiet travel, dialogue, or reflection. These “low” moments aren’t filler—they’re necessary space for the story to breathe and resonate.

In action games like DOOM Eternal, pacing is about escalation. Players are given brief moments to catch their breath between waves of intense combat, loot runs, or platforming sections. The game teaches players how to ride this rhythm—and rewards them for doing so efficiently.

Open-world games often struggle with pacing due to player freedom. Games like The Witcher 3 or Breath of the Wild offer main quests with deliberate narrative flow, but players can wander into side content that disrupts that flow if not managed carefully.

Good pacing includes:

• Variation in gameplay intensity
• Clear structure between major and minor beats
• Narrative cohesion across side and main content
• Proper use of silence, space, or downtime

Pacing, like editing in film, is often invisible when done well—but it determines how a game feels, how long it holds attention, and how strongly it sticks in memory.