Why Are Single Player Games Still Thriving?

While live service and GaaS formulas continue to grow in the connected world of gaming, single player, story driven titles are still finding their own monumental success. Over the last couple of years it's been the single player titles like Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn or God of War that have turned heads, despite the ongoing success of multiplayer heavy games. What makes the classic single player formula still so attractive?

Why Are Single Player Games Still Thriving?
Online and multiplayer gaming has flourished in the industry over the last decade of modern video games. The accessibility of playing online multiplayer matches via internet connectability has found itself on solid ground, providing unique experiences many of us were only dreaming of only a short two decades ago. And with multiplayer focused games continuing to push the limits of how long one game can last by making use of annual year-long content-riddled road maps, weekly updates and events, and dedicated player bases that keeps servers overflowing with eager trigger-happy gamers, it's hard to argue a future without multiplayer.

However, turning your attention over to the classic tried and true gaming formula of single-player, story driven campaigns and rich narrative experiences, it can be difficult to imagine the world of offline video games existing alongside a seemingly always connected industry. This vibrant and illustrious hobby of ours all began with single player gaming, it's what attracted so many of us nimble-handed gaming enthusiasts to the interactive medium, so why should we expect that to change? In a world where developers and publishers can net astounding financial numbers over the course of years if equipped with the right multiplayer gusto, what's keeping the success of solo-played and considerably less updated single-player experiences from continuing to thrive rather than dying off?

Over the course of the last decade, publishers and developing studios have taken what we know and love about the gaming medium and expanded it ten fold. The production value of big AAA titles (and even some indie titles) have soared through the roof, attracting irreplaceable talent and experienced veterans to the ever-evolving industry. Gripping narratives now become more immersive thanks to high-quality voice acting, well-written, deep and intricate plot lines on top of energizing game mechanics that all blend to keep players returning to the game world.

Free-to-play multiplayer titles, such as Apex Legends, offer competitive online matches with player counts climbing well into the millions.
But many of these features can be, and are, implemented into multiplayer games, so what makes them more satisfying or appealing in the single player scope? Diving into a world brimming with exploration at one's own pace provides a different experience outside of the world consisting of constant matchmaking and noisy online lobbies. It's the delightful pleasure of quickly hopping into your game of choice without the hassles of dealing with the complex nature of the online world that attracts many gamers to the single player experience. While many players seek the exceedingly gratifying thrill and growing anticipation of online matchmaking above the task list of mission objectives and solo play in single player games, there's also the competitive environment that can turn many casually demanding or isolated players away from the realm of multiplayer gaming.

The competitive drive of tackling AI opponents better adapted to a player's skill level also offers the ability to hone your skills with a more fluid and personable approach over the struggle of player-to-player competition. Indeed, the online world is teeming with well-practiced gamers offering a more challenging experience over the traditional AI-controlled gaming universe. However, the needless drive to compete over fellow gamers isn't always at the top of every gamer's list of priorities. More often than not, an enjoyable experience emanates from controlling a strong and durable protagonist unhindered by the threat of over-antagonizing online players making a mess of the world in which you, the solo player, wish to populate.

Which brings us to another point. Single player games offer something that most online multiplayer games can't: a world filled with immersion and the types of distractions only the creators intended. Call this artificial, manufactured diversion if you must, but to us single player enthusiasts it's exactly what we're looking for. A world undisturbed by the jokers and griefers that populate the online community. Yes, it's often an enjoyable experience to play alongside friends in a cooperative titles, like Monster Hunter World or Far Cry 5. But what's even more satisfying is staying far, far away from those players fueled by the frustration of others as they mercilessly slaughter any chance of enjoyment to be had in any given online world.

Rich narratives, unforgettable characters and vivid, dynamic worlds are brought to life in single player games as some of the most memorable gaming experiences today.
The single player experience is a secure formula where video games first made their mark as a medium that provides an escape from reality. Often, those indulging in the single player worlds are looking for a break from social interaction, for a chance to unwind with characters and worlds that will guide them through a riveting story. Or, perhaps just an experience where mindlessly conquering the world around them works better than dealing with the inconveniences of the multiplayer world.

Whatever your pleasure may be, there's still plenty of room for all types of gaming. Online gaming has been showing its fangs for quite a while now, without any sign of it slowing down. However, single player games are still leaving their mark year in and year out with memorable worlds, characters and moments that just can't be found in multiplayer titles. Regardless of your poison, in a world where there always seems to be something for everyone, the video game industry has managed to evolve into new and exciting territories with online gaming, while happily catering to those pleased to stay in the golden era of single player experiences. Let's try and keep it that way, shall we?

10 Comments

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    Um. Why do people watch movies or TV shows?

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  2. Avatar photo

    Because people don’t want to play with silly little ass hats all the time…. Single players games for sure have a special position in my opinion. And should never be considered a bad thing.

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    I think it’s a good topic to ponder for a moment. With our lives overwhelmed by crazy politicians and 24/7 news plus Facebook and WhatsApp it’s nice to just get away.

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      Exactly. It’s what draws us gamers into the medium in the first place. The chance to dip away, even for a moment.

      Reply
  4. Avatar photo

    because they are AAA quality single player exclusives that dont require an internet to play like pc.you cant even download a game on pc unless you are connected to the internet.

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    Painfully stupid question. “Why do humans still enjoy breathing?” There’s a market for games. And so they are made. Shocker.

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    Couldnt have said it better myself. If you’re an adult with responsibilities, there’s likely not enough free time to invest in these never ending live services. A single player story offers a finite amount of time for your money and that’s fine. It’s measurable, so we can play comfortably knowing we’re enjoying a product that waits for us and not the other way around. To wave goodbye to the power that lies in solo experiences is to gut the gaming medium of such artistic depth

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      I never liked the excuse adult with responsibilities. Its nonsense. You probably have more free time as an adult than you as a student, outside of breaks and vacations. Time in class, homework + projects, extra-curricular activities all add up. Now compare that to a 8-hour work day + “responsibilities”, which is the same as the student’s outside non-gaming interests.

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        Not always the case. I have a 6 month daughter that’s not entirely independent (you know, being a baby and all) so she requires a lot of time and effort to keep her happy. She doesn’t know it, but she cuts into my game time frequently (which is just fine) but between work, household chores and father time sometimes I may only get an hour of game time a day. This is when I’m happy to dive into a single player game rather than spend half of that free time waiting for other players in online lobbies. Cheers

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        You can cherry pick any kind of situation. Want me to give you an example doing the same thing? What about people who are forced to work part-time jobs in high-school or college? School + jobs + finding a potential relationship. What about single people in general who are trying to find companions in order to to find love or ,like yourself, possibly have a child. There is no real difference between younger people and adults when it comes to free time for gaming besides a very small percentage of people.. Its a myth. What is cuting in to your gaming time is probably you decision to watch Netflix instead. I am happy your daughter is cutting into your gaming time though. Giving her attention is great for her mental growth. Thank you.

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