Over the past decade or so multiplayer has become a rather ubiquitous feature in video games so that when it doesn’t show up in some form it’s almost shocking. Even most games designed for a single player format have at least some sort of co-op mode, allowing players to either take on special missions designed for more than one player, or to play the already existing single player component with a buddy.
For some fans of single player oriented games, this may sometimes seem like a bane. Many have accused game developers of favoring the additional multiplayer mode and losing focus on the single player aspect of the game. But is it really as big of an issue as some fans are making it out to be?
An important thing to remember before looking at the impact multiplayer has had on single player is that not all games are intended to be equal in this area. Sometimes, multiplayer is the focus of the game. For example, while some players may feel that multiplayer has taken away from the single player aspect of Destiny, it’s worth noting that the game was billed as a multiplayer offering from the outset. The single player aspects of the game are the secondary feature by design. So, any failings of that particular game — of which players feel there are many — are less of a result of the multiplayer aspects than they are poor design and development choices.
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However, there are other examples that can be used in the argument of multiplayer having a negative impact on a game designed — or so we thought — with single player in mind. One of these would be Mass Effect 3, which tied the game’s ending to multiplayer participation. Admittedly, this was a weird choice for the developers to make simply due to the fact that this was the final game in a trilogy. Granted, that particular game had issues with its ending in general, but it is arguable that the desire to force multiplayer on what was traditionally a single player RPG audience caused some of those other issues to occur. How different would the game have been had BioWare elected not to spend time on implementing this multiplayer aspect?
Sure, multiplayer might have seemed like a great fit considering the game is a shooter-RPG. Shooters are a natural choice for multiplayer games, after all. But, a good look at BioWare’s playerbase might have told them these people were there for something else entirely. For RPG-focused players, story is everything — and to be honest, many RPG players would really rather not have to share that experience with anyone else. For a lot of people Mass Effect was one of those games that was meant to be the player’s story, for them to mold as they saw fit — within the boundaries of the game design. Once multiplayer is added as a necessity, it takes that power away from the player and leaves them with a negative experience.
A question worth asking here is: “Is multiplayer killing off single player?” It’s a good question. The internet, as it exists now, allows almost everyone to connect at speeds that will allow them to hop on almost any multiplayer game and get in on the action — whether it be MMO, MOBA, team based shooter, or something else. It also seems that with the exception of the most indie of indie games — those without budgets to add it — almost every game coming out these days naturally has a multiplayer aspect of some sort. That multiplayer is often attached to something impacting gameplay.
Want special weapon X? Hit up the multiplayer. That’s the only way to get it. Need that costume? You only get that for doing this exclusive co-op mission.
In all games multiplayer is encouraged, and in many it’s the only option available. We now live in the world of World of Warcraft and League of Legends. Some of the most anticipated games coming out this year are team based shooter-MOBA hybrids such as Overwatch, Paladins and Paragon. And to be honest, gamers are foaming at the mouth to get into these games and at least try them out, proving that if nothing else, these games are rising in popularity.
Honestly, this isn’t a bad thing…to a point. Multiplayer is not a bad thing. It offers gamers around the world a lot of real world perks — social interaction and friends they wouldn’t have otherwise, as great way to have fun with people without spending money they don’t have, etc.
However, it can be argued it has definitely had a negative impact on the gaming industry itself. Just this past year, Konami booted one of its most prolific and well loved devs and killed most of their narrative-based single player game development to concentrate on Pachinko machines and online & mobile social games. This — the trends tell them — is where the money is at. It might very well be. And if it is, that might mean a continued trend of developers killing off single player narrative focused games in favor of more social games.
Luckily, it seems there are some companies that don’t see things this way. At last year’s E3, Square Enix announced the Tokyo Game Factory which is designed to focus on JRPG games. While this won’t make every fan of narrative-driven single player games happy. It will make some. Another company that seems to be sticking to their guns in this area is CD Projekt Red — although it will be interesting to see what decisions they make in the area of multiplayer when they finally get around to Cyberpunk 2077.
When not talking about more Facebook and mobile-style social games, one thing that can be taken into account in the choice of developers is eSports. Competitive gaming is growing, and it’s resulting in big money not just for developers, but players, teams, leagues and more. Advertising money is thrown around. Sponsorships are all the rage. They’ve even become popular enough for colleges to offer scholarships to players.
As a result, more developers are looking at their games with eSports in mind. Some developers do that and just that, while others look at ways to add it to what they’re already doing. Both methods required a higher focus on multiplayer due to needing to create a balanced, competitive environment that people will want to play in and watch.
Eventually, somewhere far down the line, multiplayer games may completely overtake single player games. We may end up with a system where multiplayer is, without a doubt, the status quo but the single player games that are offered are some of the best ever created due to the passion of the developers continuing to make them. That’s all speculative, though.
What we do know is that developers are serious about multiplayer because players are looking for it to be there. If players weren’t telling developers they want it in the most explicit way possible — with their money — they wouldn’t be doing it to this scale.
So, yes. Gamers can lament the death of single player games in favor of multiplayer. But it’s not the multiplayer itself that’s killing it. We are.
The current generation of video games is coming to a close with the release of a new PlayStation and Xbox just a few months away, which means it’s the perfect time to stay at home and catch up on all the classic games you’ve missed. There are more options than ever in 2020 given the vast array of streaming options, and we’ve seen some major releases in the last few months.
If you’re tired of Battle Royale games and looking for a lengthy single-player experience, we’re here to help. Here are 35 excellent single-player games to dive into while you’re stuck at home, with picks for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC, along with secondary recommendations if you’ve already played a given game. This list has been updated to include recent releases in the spring and summer, as there have been a couple blockbusters to dive into.
1 The Last of Us 2
Platforms: PS4
Naughty Dog’s epic followup to TLOU 1 is a perfect sendoff to the PS4 era, and it’s likely the best looking game we’ll ever get before the PS5 drops.
If you like The Last of Us 2, try: Uncharted 4
2 Final Fantasy VII Remake
Platforms: PS4
The wait was worth it. This Remake not only lived up to the hype, it set a new standard for modern Final Fantasy games, while becoming more accessible than ever for people new to the series.
If you like Final Fantasy VII Remake, try: Final Fantasy XV
3 Ring Fit Adventure
Platforms: Switch
The coronavirus pandemic has left many of us indoors and unable to go to the gym, but if you can find it in stock, Ring Fit Adventure provides a very fun (and potentially demanding) in-home workout.
If you like Ring Fit Adventure, try: Going outside
4 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Platforms: Switch
One of the best-ever Wii games is a perfect fit for the Switch, and delivers a gigantic, rewarding RPG journey.
If you like Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, try: Xenoblade Chronicles 2
5 Gears Tactics
Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Like XCOM, but with chainsaws.
If you like Gears Tactics, try: XCOM 2
6 Persona 4 Golden
Platforms: PC, PS Vita, PS2
Persona 4 received a surprise release on PC this summer, and it’s a must-play for JRPG fans.
If you like Persona 4 Golden, try: Persona 5 Royale
7 Red Dead Redemption 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The ultimate outlaw simulator, with one of the best open, living worlds ever created. Visually stunning, with an entertaining story you’ll want to play to the end.
If you like Red Dead Redemption 2, try: Grand Theft Auto V
8 The Witcher 3
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
The game that set a new standard for open world RPGs. Play as the definitive version of Geralt of Rivia (sorry, Henry Cavill), slay monsters across the continent, or just spend all your time with Gwent.
If you like The Witcher 3, try: Kingdom Come: Deliverance
9 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild
Platforms: Switch
Modern, open-world Zelda in a beautifully crafted world. It’s extremely accessible even if you aren’t a vet of the series, and is one of the very first games you should add to your Switch library.
If you like Breath of the Wild, try: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
10 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Platforms: Switch
A brilliant tactical RPG with a highly satisfying battle system.
If you like Fire Emblem: Three Houses, try: Fire Emblem Heroes (phone app)
11 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch
A journey through beautiful ancient Greece, and the best installment in the long-running series to date. Pro tip: Play as Kassandra. She’s awesome.
If you like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, try: Assassin’s Creed: Origins
12 The Yakuza Series
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Yakuza games originally released on PS2 and PS3 and never quite caught on in the U.S, but the entire series has since been revamped for modern consoles and re-released. Incredibly fun beat-em-up action in semi-open-world Japan with a wide array of hilarious side stories and fun minigames to play. Start with Yakuza 0 and thank me later.
If you like Yakuza, try: Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
13 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platforms: Switch
Animal Crossing is so incredibly chill that it certainly won’t be for everyone, but it’s a perfect relaxation game, and we could all use that right about now.
If you like Animal Crossing, try: Stardew Valley, Doraemon: Story of Seasons, My Time At Portia
14 Horizon Zero Dawn
Platforms: PS4, PC (soon)
One of the best-looking games on PS4, a stunning open-world game that fans of Tomb Raider, Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher should love.
If you like Horizon Zero Dawn, try: Days Gone
15 Nioh 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
A brutally challenging, but rewarding romp through fantastical Sengoku-era Japan.
If you like Nioh 2, try: Bloodborne, Sekiro, Dark Souls Remastered
16 Death Stranding
Platforms: PS4
Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking latest release was polarizing for reviewers, some of whom labeled it a walking simulator, but I find delivering packages across the post-cataclysm U.S. to be constantly engaging and strangely soothing.
If you like Death Stranding, try: Tricky Towers
17 Final Fantasy XV
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
If you’re looking for a colossal RPG to sink hours into, you could do much worse than FFXV, which trades the series’ traditional turn-based combat for more modern active combat, and is just beautiful to look at.
If you like FFXV, try: Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
18 Persona 5 Royal
Platforms: PS4
If you like JRPGs or school-based anime shows, you’re going to love Persona 5, which was recently revamped with the release of Royal. Persona 5 can be found fairly cheaply if you just want the base game.
If you like Persona 5 Royal, try: Persona 4: Dancing All Night
19 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Fans of the series didn’t exactly love the story, and I would rank MGS 3, 4 and 2 above V (in that order), but The Phantom Pain still offers some incredible action gameplay.
If you like MGSV, try: Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 HD
20 God of War
Platforms: PS4
Arguably the best PS4 exclusive available, the best choice for someone looking for a meaty action game.
If you like God of War, try: God of War 3 Remastered
21 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Star Wars games are very hit-or-miss, but Fallen Order borrows mechanics from some of the best action games on the market and weaves in a solid Star Wars story.
If you like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, try: Shadow of the Tomb Raider
22 Monster Hunter World
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
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A seriously addicting and unique action game where you select your giant weapon of choice and go slay some of the biggest monsters you can imagine.
If you like Monster Hunter World, try: God Eater 3
23 Resident Evil 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The remake of Resident Evil 3 just dropped, but that’s a far shorter and inferior game when compared to RE2, which set a new bar for modern remakes.
If you like Resident Evil 2, try: Resident Evil Remaster, Resident Evil 4
24 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Nine years after it launched, the game that redefined what an open world game could be is still a very enjoyable and epic journey.
If you like Skyrim, try: The Witcher 3
25 XCOM 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Many games have copied the XCOM style, but no one has done it better yet. Engaging top-down strategy combat where a wrong move could cost you a beloved soldier for the rest of your playthrough.
If you like XCOM, try: XCOM: Chimera Squad, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Mutant Year Zero, BattleTech
26 Sid Meier's Civilization VI
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Pick your favorite civilization and play through history, conquering the globe as you see fit. Hours can melt away playing Civ.
If you like Civ VI, try: Europa Universalis IV, Stellaris
27 Marvel's Spider-Man
Platforms: PS4
Web-sling your way through a beautifully recreated New York City and beat up baddies.
If you like Spider-Man, try: Batman: Arkham Collection
28 Forza Horizon 4
Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Exhilarating arcade racing action, and one of the best-looking games of the generation.
If you like Forza Horizon, try: Burnout Paradise Remastered
29 Super Mario Odyssey
Platforms: Switch
It’s a 3D Mario game, which means it’s incredible by default.
If you like Super Mario Odyssey, try: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
30 Disco Elysium
Platforms: PC
An engrossing, story-driven RPG where every choice you make matters.
If you like Disco Elysium, try: Divinity Original Sin 2
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31 The Outer Worlds
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch (soon)
Think Fallout 3 or 4, but in outer space. Not overly long, so you can probably play through the entire story in a couple weeks.
If you like The Outer Worlds, try: Fallout 4
32 Planet Zoo
Platforms: PC
The best zoo simulator yet. Good for fans of sim games and animal lovers alike.
If you like Planet Zoo, try: Planet Coaster
33 Pokemon Sword and Shield
Platforms: Switch
The first classic Pokemon adventure on Switch didn’t disappoint, unless you’re dead set on having a complete dex.
If you like Pokemon Sword and Shield, try: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, Ni No Kuni, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
34 Total War: Three Kingdoms
Platforms: PC
Epic real time strategy battles set in the Three Kingdoms era in China.
If you like Three Kingdoms, try: Total War: Warhammer II
35 Hearts of Iron 4
Single Player Browser Games
Platforms: PC
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This released four years ago, but I just became addicted to it and it is *incredible*. Pick any nation in the world and guide them through the events of World War II, expanding your territory and aligning with world powers however you want. A remarkable strategy sandbox.
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If you like Hearts of Iron 4, try: Panzer Corps 2