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My feeling is that there are basically three reasons for the focus on multiplayer: * cheap out on development: essentially just have a few low detail maps that

by olliej 2y ago

My feeling is that there are basically three reasons for the focus on multiplayer: * cheap out on development: essentially just have a few low detail maps that people play constantly * people want to look “unique” so you can charge them for near-zero-cost assets * people don’t complain when you say “must have an internet connection” All of which are garbage reasons to me and just mean fewer good games, and less reason to buy them (I’m uninterested in buying a game if it is just going to stop working in a year because they’re no longer selling it). If I want to be subject to swearing and shitty behavior is just become a high school teacher.

The_Stone 2y ago
Add to this the appeal of a live service model: * Committed playerbase that stays around for a long time * Dev time focused on making new assets and gamemodes etc. rather than needing to develop entire new games * Designed with an intentional grind (leveling systems, battle passes, random drop chances) which slows down player progression to acquire before-mentioned aesthetic items or even mechanically important upgrades, can provide shortcuts via payment Of course, new live services are sinking now because each one depends on attention economy. If potential players are already committed to a different live service, they don't have the time or interest to re-commit to some other new one. We've been watching for years now as major companies sink millions into games that are DOA because they never actually had an audience willing to commit to yet another major continuing time investment that these games represent.
cdchn 2y ago
I think the real reason for focus on multiplayer is that it keeps the game fresh without things that are really half-baked like procedural world gen. That drives engagement- keeping people playing- which gives companies more opportunities to sell microtransactions, skins, etc.

by olliej 2y ago

The_Stone 2y ago

Add to this the appeal of a live service model: * Committed playerbase that stays around for a long time * Dev time focused on making new assets and gamemodes etc. rather than needing to develop entire new games * Designed with an intentional grind (leveling systems, battle passes, random drop chances) which slows down player progression to acquire before-mentioned aesthetic items or even mechanically important upgrades, can provide shortcuts via payment Of course, new live services are sinking now because each one depends on attention economy. If potential players are already committed to a different live service, they don't have the time or interest to re-commit to some other new one. We've been watching for years now as major companies sink millions into games that are DOA because they never actually had an audience willing to commit to yet another major continuing time investment that these games represent.

cdchn 2y ago

I think the real reason for focus on multiplayer is that it keeps the game fresh without things that are really half-baked like procedural world gen. That drives engagement- keeping people playing- which gives companies more opportunities to sell microtransactions, skins, etc.