Bryce Clark, game director of Poppy Playtime, has played 23,000 hours of Steam games: 'I'm a bit obsessed with learning the market'

Bryce Clark, the game director behind Poppy Playtime, has spent over 23,000 hours playing Steam games over the course of 18 years. Known for his deep dive into the gaming market, Clark is always exploring new genres and titles to stay ahead of trends. His passion for gaming runs deep, shaped by a childhood filled with DOS games and a fascination with the mechanics and storytelling of various titles.

A veteran of the game development industry with two decades of experience, Clark has worked at major studios like 343 Industries and Blizzard. In 2023, he joined Mob Entertainment as lead technical artist and later became the Game Director for Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5, which launched in February. Clark explains that his focus as a director has been on refining gameplay mechanics, making chases more engaging, and improving the integration of narrative into the player experience.

A Gaming Multitasker

Clark is a self-described "oddball" when it comes to his gaming habits. He often plays between three and six games at once, always eager to learn and adapt. "I'm a bit obsessive with learning the market," he says. "I love trying new and unique things as well."

Among the titles he's been exploring recently are Aethus, a solo-developer project with base-building and exploration elements that remind him of Subnautica, and Strange Antiquities, the sequel to Strange Horticulture, which blends narrative, puzzle, and mystery elements. He's also diving into Prosperous Universe, a real-time economic MMO set in a futuristic corporate environment where players manage production lines and engage in interstellar trade.

The Most Recent Game on His PC

The last game Clark played was Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library!, a $5 indie title that tasks players with organizing a chaotic library filled with 3,000 scattered books. The game, he says, has a calming, repetitive rhythm similar to PowerWash Simulator, but with a unique twist on problem-solving.

He also recommends Cairn, a climbing game that he describes as one of the most soulful and thoughtful experiences he's had in recent years. "It captures the essence of climbing in a way that feels authentic," he says.

Forza Horizon 6 is another game he's still working through, despite not being a racing enthusiast. "I'm not even that big of a car or racing person, but I've just been having a great time," he adds.

The Oldest Game on His PC

Currently installed on Clark's PC are No Man's Sky (2016) and The Hunter: Call of the Wild (2017). While he occasionally plays older games, these two have remained on his system for years. "I find that a lot of what draws me into games is the learning and discovery," he explains. "Once I feel like I've fully understood what the game has to offer, I'm not always compelled to finish it."

23,000 Hours of Gaming on Steam

Clark's Steam library is a testament to his lifelong passion for gaming. He has over 20 games with more than 250 hours each, and his total playtime over 18 years is a staggering 23,000 hours. His top games include:

  • Rocket League – 745 hours
  • Ark: Survival Evolved – 651 hours
  • 7 Days to Die – 538 hours

Beyond the numbers, Clark highlights the depth and complexity of these games. "We used to say the first 500 hours of Rocket League are learning how to hit the ball, and the next 500 hours are learning when not to hit the ball," he says. "There's just so much that goes into it."

Whether it's the competitive nature of Rocket League, the survival and exploration elements of Ark, or the slow, methodical build of 7 Days to Die, Clark finds value in the diverse experiences each game offers. His gaming journey reflects not just a hobby, but a deep engagement with the ever-evolving world of PC gaming.