I don't think previous Harold Jam entries have been unreasonably long.
The 5-45 minute rule existed for a few reasons:
- Many entries to play means player attention span is shorter.
- Limited time to dev means shorter games have more time for polish.
- Shorter games tend to include less filler mechanics, like too long battles, repeated battles with no new mechanics, players wandering aimlessly.
- At least 5 minutes is typically required for any meaningful gameplay.
That said, the rule became a recommendation because some devs felt too much stress staying under the limit, and some wanted the freedom to create a longer experience even with full knowledge of the challenges of longer games.
So officially, we leave it up to devs to decide the right balance, while counseling a 5-45 minute experience base don previously successful entries.