This Video Game Trend is Killing Single Player Games

Some great studios behind great singleplayer games have pivoted to live service multiplayer games. What’s going on? Subscribe … “PC games”

In recent years, we have seen a shift in the gaming industry with some well-known studios that were traditionally focused on creating fantastic singleplayer games, now pivoting towards live service multiplayer games. This begs the question – what exactly is going on in the world of video game development?

One of the most notable examples of this shift is Bioware, a studio that has become synonymous with iconic singleplayer RPGs such as the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series. Bioware made a foray into the live service multiplayer world with their game, Anthem. Anthem was marketed as a cooperative multiplayer action-RPG set in a vast open world. However, the game received mixed reviews and failed to meet sales expectations.

So why did Bioware, a studio known for its rich storytelling and immersive singleplayer experiences, make the leap to a live service multiplayer game like Anthem? The answer lies in the changing landscape of the gaming industry. Live service games have become increasingly popular due to their ability to keep players engaged for longer periods of time, leading to increased revenue opportunities through microtransactions and DLCs.

Another studio that has made the transition from singleplayer to multiplayer games is Naughty Dog, creators of critically acclaimed titles such as The Last of Us and the Uncharted series. Naughty Dog surprised fans when they announced their upcoming game, a multiplayer spin-off of The Last of Us Part II. This move raised eyebrows among fans who were expecting another singleplayer masterpiece from the studio.

The decision to pivot towards live service multiplayer games is not limited to established studios. Even indie developers are jumping on the bandwagon. StudioMDHR, known for the popular indie game Cuphead, announced that they are working on an online multiplayer mode for the game. This move reflects the increasing demand for multiplayer experiences in the gaming community.

But what does this shift mean for the future of singleplayer games? Some fear that studios prioritizing live service multiplayer games may neglect the development of traditional singleplayer experiences. However, others argue that this shift allows studios to explore new creative opportunities and reach a wider audience.

Ultimately, the decision to pivot towards live service multiplayer games is a strategic one for many studios. With the gaming industry becoming more competitive and saturated, studios must adapt to changing trends in order to stay relevant and profitable. While some fans may be disappointed by the shift away from singleplayer games, it is clear that the demand for multiplayer experiences is here to stay.

In conclusion, the pivot towards live service multiplayer games by some of the industry’s most beloved studios reflects the evolving nature of the gaming industry. While this shift may come as a surprise to some fans, it is ultimately a necessary adaptation for studios to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Only time will tell how this shift will impact the future of gaming, but one thing is for certain – the world of video games is constantly changing and evolving.