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?

[AspiringProGenji]

I am about to finish Horizon and the game is still as fun as Day one. Funny I didn’t play the Frozen wilds until a week ago and damn what a blast I had.

It is good to replay these SP games with no Annoying mts and full with content. They thrive because they are full experiences that you can play ans have fun anytime without availability of strangers.

[Neonridr]

agreed.. I can easily get lost in games like Horizon, God of War, Zelda, Mario, etc.

MP games have their place, but there will always be a need and want for engaging single player stories.

[Ratchet75]

That is by far the best explanation I have ever heard. 👏👏👏
28079;

[The Wood]

'MP games have their place, but there will always be a need and want for engaging single player stories.'

Always

[ravinash]

"Why Are Single Player Games Still Thriving"?

Because story telling is as old as time, it's like saying why have people stopped reading books and novels, watching films etc, etc...
Because your being transported somewhere else and/or becoming someone else in a story that someone else has created to entertain you.

It's fun to play a game with other people, but it's a completely different experience to enjoying a good story.

[SuperSonic91]

Thank you for starting the thread with Horizon Zero Dawn. I just completed the game last night because of my backlog. It was an amazing, unique & heartfelt experience.
Aloy is such a charismatic and compelling character.
The machines have that respectable characteristics like the Colossi in SOTC.
The story is very captivating, unique and well told with surgical precission.
Can't wait to 100% it like I did God of War's New Game Plus.

SIEs decision to let lots of Let's Player publish their game footage actually helped this game sell more than 10 million copies because people are compelled to play the game even after seeing it on YT.

[anonymousfan]

I just finally got to start the game yesterday after having it sitting on a shelf since a year and a half ago and I'm loving it so far!

[raWfodog]

I have to get back to that game still. The backlog is real.

[Gamingsince1981]

When I finished horizon zero dawn and my platinum popped up I felt sad that I wouldn't be lost in that story again till the sequel, I miss the characters, it is by far my favourite game this gen.

[sprinterboy]

I was late with frozen Wilds too buddy, did you think it almost felt like a different game lol, especially the end.
I want hzd2 to be more like the dlc especially that boss fight wow.

[AspiringProGenji]

Yes I did feel that too. I noticed a lot of improvements over the base game, especially better facial animations.

The new machines and the daemonic were really tough. I died most of the time in this DLC. So much challenges and fun I had. The new weapons were great too.

[Muzikguy]

Single player games are amazing. Not sure how people can't see that or why they'd rather have the mess of games that have been released lately.

[MisterLou]

I just beat Horizon last week too. I guess the stream of shitty releases lately made us dig into the backlog finally. haha

[sprinterboy]

I'm back playing bloodborne

[Orionsangel]

At their core most online games are competitive and one dimensional. The idea is always kill the opponent. No real substance. You're just trying to beat someone or a team. Rinse and repeat. Where single player games have so many layers like the story, exploration and discovery, pacing, puzzle solving and fleshed out characters. Some of us don't care about beating some stranger who lives miles away. We just want to get lost in a great adventure!

[LemyAtom]

Amen. My backlog includes HZD, God of War, The Order 1886, Hellblade, Xenoblade 2. I'm currently playing Breath of the Wild. Not sure which to pick next, but the day GaaS takes hold and if ever SP games stop being made is the game I go exclusively retro. I'm just not interested in Multiplayer. Each to their own.

[BadElf]

I wish I could get into Horizon. Never could :(

[Orionsangel]

You had a cold blast of air.

[ziggurcat]

because they're generally better, more worthwhile experiences compared to repeating the same 20 minutes of gameplay ad nauseam.

[Nyxus]

Because people still want them.

[Razzer]

Simple question. Simple answer.

[SuperSonic91]

But the real kicker is with all this talk and trend about mp games boom, mp battle royale, mp loot boxes, mp mictotransactions, doom and gloom of sp games , SOny was wise to capitalize and sieze the opportunity of a market the big publishers seems to take less interest and by the time the smoke clears BOOM!!! SP games like Uncharted 4, TLOU, Horizon ZD, SpiderMan, God of War, Detroit, Monster Hunter World, sells over the 10 million mark leaving EA and Microsoft dumb founded with jaws dropped on the floor in disbelief prompting EA to pirate Amy Hennig and M$ buying studios like crazy.

Amzing story indeed. Very entertaining.

[ClayRules2012]

Love this answer.

The moment single player games don’t exist is the day I stop gaming.

[ArchangelMike]

@Nyxus

Exactly.

The whole narrative that "single player games are dying" was simply corporate bullcrap to justify nickel and diming gamers with multiplayer only games with microtransactions and lootboxes.

[Ratchet75]

Damn right you are Archangel. 👏👏👏

[rainslacker]

No, no....you got it wrong. That's what we want from the future. That's the only way the game industry can sustain itself. We have to accept such an inevitable fate all for the continuation of the game industry. I mean...we're gamers....we don't want the game industry to fail do we? How could we be so cruel? Think of the developers who make these games. We should buy games we don't want, and spend lots on MT and DLC even though we care nothing about it. only then can those dev's kids have a meager dinner of half rotted potatoes and gristle left over from a dead opossum found on the side of the road picked clean by vultures.

[SuperSonic91]

... and bit EA and MS butts in the process prompting them to get Amy Hennig and buying studios like crazy to make sp games. LOL

[Gardenia]

Why is this even a question? It's like saying: we don't need pizzas because we already have sandwiches

[rainslacker]

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the one most often overlooked.

It helps to get to that answer when you stop listening to the publishers who want to push the narrative that MP games are the future, and that SP is dead.

[Muzikguy]

Despite what any industry expert or analyst has to say about it

[gangsta_red]

When weren't they? There are genres and features for everyone to enjoy that continue to thrive in the industry. To pretend one is going the way of the dinosaur is just more pandering to an over reactive crowd.

[SpaceRanger]

When most games coming out aren’t single player driven, it’s clear there is less of a focus. Not rocket science when you look at some of the most recent AAA games and where their main focus lies.

Not that single player is the best. But balance is needed. I see the multiplayer bubble popping soon as new methods of delivering AA to AAA games becomes quicker and cheaper.

[gangsta_red]

"When most games coming out aren’t single player driven,"

I don't believe that to be true at all, there has been a balance of single player and multi player games throughout this whole gen. Multi player games may have gotten a bit more of the spotlight but only because how popular they have become in recent years. But that still hasn't taken away or diminished single player games releasing this gen, especially since some of the most celebrated games have been SP games, Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Zelda, etc, etc.

It seems there's this hysteria that single player games were somehow going instinct only because MP games were in the spotlight and now we have to get an article calming the masses down, which is strange because it was never the case.

"I see the multiplayer bubble popping soon as new methods of delivering AA to AAA games becomes quicker and cheaper"

This isn't just a problem for MP, this is a problem with all AAA games MP and SP alike. If anything SP is more in danger than MP. Which is why we see DLC, microtransactions and season passes and others being pushed heavy for SP games to try and extend the life of the game which is harder to sell to gamers than a MP game.

[sprinterboy]

Agreed got my RC and PES for mp, Sony 1st party sp are just awesome and I love a good indie title here and there resogun, valiants heart, stick it too the man, gone home etc.

[shinoff2183]

I disagree if you look at every game coming out whether its aaa or indie, single player is the more dominant ones coming out. Devs know we still want and need single player games. Despite what some of these companies are saying

[SpaceRanger]

“especially since some of the most celebrated games have been SP games, Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Zelda, etc, etc.“

Writing “etc.” doesn’t automatically equate to more Single player games. We’re all aware that the list is substantially smaller than the number of multiplayer games.

“This isn't just a problem for MP, this is a problem with all AAA games MP and SP alike. If anything SP is more in danger than MP.”

Wrong again. Take Apex Legends for example. The game dropped and the player-base for some of the top multiplayer games dropped even further than what it was from Fortnites impact. Having so many MP games immediately causes cannibalization of another at the player base level. Thus potentially leading to studios cutting down on or closing servers down the line.

SP games do run into the same budget challenges. But at timeless and aren’t bound by player base but rather story.

Like I said, my assumption is that the MP bubble will pop soon and more devs will start focusing on delivering short to medium in length games with quality stories and gameplay. Dreams and other open source dev tools have already shown what that potential is.

[gangsta_red]

"Writing “etc.” doesn’t automatically equate to more Single player games. "

Do I really need to list every SP game that has released this gen or can i leave it up to you to fill in the blanks? Besides you saying that there's less of a focus on SP games in your reply with no examples doesn't seem to prove much of anything either. But I still understood what you meant when you said just that. You can Sprinterboys sp games to the etc's if you like.

"We’re all aware that the list is substantially smaller than the number of multiplayer games."

Substantially? Not even close to being true, but this is the part where we get a side by side comparison from you to prove me wrong, right?

"The game dropped and the player-base for some of the top multiplayer games dropped even further than what it was from Fortnites impact."

And yet Fortnite continues to make millions despite the player base dropping slightly. Same with League of Legends, Minecraft and other popular MP focused games.

"SP games do run into the same budget challenges. But at timeless and aren’t bound by player base but rather story."

Not really sure what that second half of that statement has to do with anything. As SP games are still bound by it's sales. Take into account SP games that have to re arrange their release date so they don't have to release alongside heavy hitting games like RDR. Or other companies that have to try their hand at MP games because the SP games they were making weren't selling like the developers Housemarque had to do. How about other developers who specialize in SP games that were on the verge of closing their doors like Ninja Theory. Great developers who made great single player, emotional, story driven arcade type games not bound by a player base, and yet still had trouble because of the cost of triple A development or competing with triple A games (MP and SP).

"...my assumption is that the MP bubble will pop soon and more devs will start focusing on delivering short to medium in length games with quality stories and gameplay"

I actually agree with this, but i disagree with your assumption that it only applies to MP games. I actually see more devs trying to make their games that can be extended to actually keep making a profit over the years rather than turning out games that have a high budget, a risk of failing as soon as it releases or dropping off in sales and being forgotten in the second week.

[DaDrunkenJester]

"SP games do run into the same budget challenges. But at timeless and aren’t bound by player base but rather story."

They are still bound to sales, such equates a player base. Sure, way down the line it won't need a player base, but it still needs to sell well. Games like Fortnite and Apex, while being free, make way more money then even the highest selling SP game. But they also run a bigger risk of launching and never making a penny since they're free. But Apex launching to such success doesn't mean Fortnite isn't making money still or that its not popular.

Both have their risks involved.

[rainslacker]

Sorry, I haven't seen too many celebrated MP games this gen. Certainly there are fewer celebrated SP games this gen compared to last, but it seems that many MP games this gen are leading to more disappointment than celebration. A few are doing exceptionally well, but look at PUBG. Huge numbers, which quickly dropped off with Fortnite. Fortnite, with huge numbers, which quickly dropped off for Apex Legends. Anthem fails because it's up against AL, and generally was a a diappointment. SW:BF2....a game which should have sold itself, fails to live up to expectations. Several other high profile games which always did well, not selling what they used to. When the next big thing to be excited about comes along, everyone's going to move on from Apex Legends. The MP community is fickle, and seems to chase after whatever happens to be fresh and popular....probably because the content in the BG games tends to be more sparse than other MP games with multiple modes.

There are more SP games this gen. however, there are fewer high profile AAA SP games. Last gen we had that in spades, where every month you had 2-3 competing for attention, and the holidays were rediculous. Many of them were not as good as they could have been, some completely sucked, but there were quite a few good one. We'd probably have more high profile ones, but publishers aren't expending the resources they used to, and they certainly aren't spending the money on marketing like they used to. Some obvious exceptions, and if you notice from those exceptions of marketing, they tend to sell a lot more. They often back it up with quality titles too.

But, the industry is overall too clinical in how it approaches the SP market right now. Fewer risks, after a gen where risks were kind of frowned upon. But, when we do get quality, it's usually exceptional.

I don't know if the MP bubble will pop, but there is a limited market, all competing for people's attention. The modern paradigm is to keep people engaged for a long time, this itself leads to people not getting into new games as much. This stretches the market thin. This means that only those who hit it big reap the rewards, while the others end up losing money. The rewards themselves are great if one succeeds, which is why they all chase after it. Plus, there isn't as much risk in making those games, as they tend to be cheaper.

[shinoff2183]

Writing “etc.” doesn’t automatically equate to more Single player games. We’re all aware that the list is substantially smaller than the number of multiplayer games.

That statement is simply untrue, look at the aaa and indie games coming out, it is dominated by single player games without question

[rainslacker]

Can you blame the question being asked though? It's not like for over a decade now we haven't heard publishers say how expensive it's getting, how MP is the future, how there is no money in SP, etc, etc etc.

The answer is simple to almost everyone here, as is apparent in the comments, and despite console war differences, I think everyone here would agree that SP still plays a key part in a lot of their game playing experiences. SP may not get as much attention as it used to compared to the MP games out there which have ungodly marketing budgets behind them, but there are still people who play them in droves. This gen has proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. They may not rake in as much as some MP games for the publishers, but it's foolish for anyone to believe that there isn't a rather sizable market for SP games.

"there has been a balance of single player and multi player games throughout this whole gen. "

Yes and no. There are actually more games of all types this gen. However there are certainly fewer high profile AAA SP games compared to last gen. I think if there were more, then we'd see more failures. Just look at the inverse. There are more high profile MP games this gen, and more are not living up to expectations. Of course, one can question the publishers expectations, but it doesn't remove the fact that there is a limited market for all sorts of games, MP, or SP. But overall, there is plenty to go around.

[gangsta_red]

"Can you blame the question being asked though?"

It's a clickbait question though. Exactly when was SP ever dying? We have gotten great SP games throughout this whole gen, so why are we still pretending that they're going anywhere? Publishers and devs still expressed how expensive development is because it's true, where exactly is the lie? This is why we see devs bringing out the same SP IP games they did last gen, because these are the ones that are popular and will be successful and even then that is not guaranteed. But the same can be also applied to MP games.

"SP may not get as much attention as it used to compared to the MP games out there which have ungodly marketing budgets behind them..'

I disagree, SP games gets just as much ungodly marketing as MP games and I would even say more. I've seen way more marketing and a bigger push in advertising (especially on TV) for SP games like Tomb Raider, Uncharted 4, Far Cry than i have ever seen for PUBG, Fortnite and any other MP/BR game.

"This gen has proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt."

If that is the case then why is this question even asked? It's this perception from gamers (on the net) who keep this hysteria alive that SP games are somehow dying only because a dev announces or expresses a want to try their hand at a successful type of MP game like Fortnite, and who can blame them? All the while we keep ignoring not only their previous attempts at SP games but many other SP games releasing from many other developers out there.

For example when Apex announced, all i read was how the BR market was over crowded. Seriously? There's like what, maybe only less than a handful, if that on the market now? Yet, there's no issues when a gang of SP games are releasing or set to release. The double standards people speak on when it comes to MP games compared to SP games is what's really baffling. No problems with the idea of flooding the market with SP games, but huge issues with releasing more MP games.

"I think if there were more, then we'd see more failures."

We have, we just don't dwell on those for very long. We do however celebrate the more successful titles and that goes for MP and SP. But I am for certain that there have been a lot of failures this gen. And it's the reason we have seen fewer triple A new IP's this gen. The cost of development is just to high to take chances on a new IP with a lot of developers.

It's definitely not like the good 'ol days when there was definitely a lot more diversity in the games selection. But I believe it is because of the high costs of development nowadays. At least when it comes to the triple A gaming. I remember going to any video game store and seeing strange games like Wall Street Kid for NES, good luck trying to find anything like that for retail.

[rainslacker]

The whole discussion for a long time has been nothing but click bait. But it's one perpetuated by the media, because they were happy to parrot and support the notion that SP was dying. There was never any real evidence of that being the case, but they were front and center to say how the AAA SP game industry wasn't sustainable when EA decided to push that narrative last gen.

Lets face it. Within the community, the only people we see saying that MP is the future, are the same ones who say that physical has to die, and feel the need to antagonize others because they get so focused in on one kind of game, and feel that's the only kind of game that almost everyone plays.

I'm not personally pretending that they're going anywhere. I've been staunchly saying the opposite, even when the whole discussion started.

I just don't find the question being asked that surprising. The answer itself is obvious to anyone that games, and doesn't take these agenda driven execs at their word.

As far as the marketing goes, what I meant was is that unlike last gen, it's really only the high profile games that really get any marketing. The rest has had marketing budgets dwindle and rely more on social media than more traditional means. Maybe some media marketing on websites, but outside games with marketing deals with console makers, you don't see the commercials for SP games anymore unless they're 1st party games, or part of a multi-game commercial aimed at selling the system itself.

"If that is the case then why is this question even asked? "

Because, as you've said, it's click bait, and drives people to discuss, hence a site getting hits.

I will say that I prefer the approach of they aren't dying, compared to the ones saying they are, but the end result is essentially the same.

[DerekTweed]

90% of my gaming time is spent on MP games. Most of my friends are the same if not more.

[Atticus_finch]

Are you really going to act like the big publishers are not skipping Sp games for Mp.

[kneon]

Well we all know why that is, making a good SP game is hard. You actually need proper writers to put together a story and characters that people will care about. Then creating compelling game play to go along with the story takes time and skill.

So instead they make MP games with little or no story and 2 dimensional characters. pump out a few maps and then churn out cosmetic items so that they can nickel and dime their customers to death.

[gangsta_red]

Yes I am

[RememberThe357]

Okay this is weird, I have to be missing something, but did Black Falcon actually change the conversation with one comment? Everyone above him has the same sort of sentiment as his comment and tons of agrees but his comment has his usual ratio and the comment below his is saying what most people above are saying isn't even real and yet it has tons of agrees. What am I missing?

[PhoenixUp]

Why wouldn’t they be exciting

[wheresmymonkey]

Because people always have, and always will love a decent story.

[sprinterboy]

Exactly ist why we like films too, a good story.

[chris235]

multiplayer mmo games are aimed at casuals to grab money with a low effort and single player games are aimed at real gamers therefore the real deal and still successful asf when the production values are right.

[DrumBeat]

Because they're compelling, interesting, and immersive. They're also a great way to wind down after work by just getting lost in a great story.

[isarai]

A good story is a good story, thats always been the case since humans could tell them, and will always be the case till we cant. SP games are just that, really good way to tell really good stories

[Legatus]

"Why Are Single Player Games Still Thriving?"

Ummmm, because there are a lot of people that want to play them and prefer them over MP games.

[Smitty2020]

I love to chill with a few beers maybe a takeaway 🙊 and smash a sp game

[sprinterboy]

Keep your hands away from my controller haha.

[sprinterboy]

I know right, it's like why do people still read books, why do people still watch films, will the Internet continue to thrive lol. Kinda a stupid article tbh lol.

[Zjet]

Because they don't have expiry dates.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Why wouldn't they be? Everyone likes a good story experience.

[Silly Mammo]

"Why Are Single PLayer Games Still Thriving When We've Done All We Can to Report on it's Demise?" fixed

[Baza]

Multiplayer focused games tend to be corrupt. And built on making the Publisher money over gameplay. This is why the highest quality games are single player.

[BrettAwesome]

Because people wanna play them

[cell989]

Because to me personally, they offer something no multiplayer game does. An Immersive narrative.

[Smokehouse]

Because it’s not team deathmatch or battle royale. Crazy I know, right? It’s so simple yet so hard to believe. How could a game succeed without battle royale? The same way they did pre-2018. The real question is why would you question it?

[EazyC]

Story, immersion, detail, and not founded on a rinse-repeat formula.... there you go, why I love SP games in a nutshell.

[yomfweeee]

Maybe because only idiots loved to be nickeled and dimed and be given half a game to start with.

[Ogygian]

For the same reason books are.

[PlayableGamez-]

Single player games gives you an experience and an adventure whereas GaaS Multiplayer games like Fortnite Overwatch and The Division are design for competitiveness and to have an addictive grinding loop.

[PaleMoonDeath]

Same reason movies, books, and tv series thrive.

[OneEyedSteve]

Because not all gamers are boring. MP absolutely sucks imo no matter what game it is, if all you do is play MP then you are either boring or young. I use to play MP when i was younger but now I've grown up i realize how boring and pointless it is.

[sprinterboy]

Because we love them, can't beat a good story, with engaging characters to unwind after work hell.
Edit: plus you have a start, middle and end all roughly in less than 50hrs of playtime to complete the game and mopnup any trophies you may like too get.
Not everyone has 100s and 1000s of hours to play mp BS all the time.

[Tetsujin]

No online and can play infinite times.

[Hardiman]

I love getting lost in the game worlds. I still play Witcher 3, HZD, AC Origins, Breath of the Wild, AC Odyssey, MGSV, Just Cause 3&4, GOW, The Forest, Red Dead 2, Spider-Man, Nier Automada. Those are the bigger games and I still love playing them. Some have a better narrative but they are all so much fun in their own rights. The best part is there is no expiration date and I can always go back to them and I do.

Persona 5, Detroit, No Noh Kuni, Dragon Quest XI, Tales of Berseria, Bloodborne, A Theif's End, Lost a Legacy, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian and Until Dawn are other SP games I still play. There's more to be sure but I just love getting lost in the worlds! Speaking of getting lost in game worlds, I can't wait to dive into Days Gone!

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Why's this even a question? Yes - MP based games have huge success, but not all of them. Customers deserve to be catered for whatever their preference.

[Youngindy21]

I like Single Player games because I like a good story/good exploration and sometimes you just don't want gaming to be a social event. Don't get me wrong, I love playing multiplayer games with my friends and strangers, but sometimes you just don't want to be bothered.

[AK91]

Because they are quality games made from the ground up for gamers at a fair full prices $60, on the other hand the GaaS games are broken alphas at launch with little to no content and consumers will have to wait around one year for the game to be enjoyable and even then the devs have the audacity to make us pay for MORE money for content that should have been available for launch.

[CP_Company]

because these type of games are best. one horse race actually.

[Einhander1971]

Because you can’t beat the single player experience. DMC 5 has proved that over the weekend. Great reviews amazing entertaining solid gameplay, not bogged down with pointless crap to do.

[xPaYDaYx]

IMO SP games are the best games. It's an interactive movie a lot of the time and movies haven't gone anywhere in 100 years so neither will story-centric SP games. There's nothing quite like experiencing a world that is well fleshed out with amazing direction and character developments and riding along is pure bliss a lot of the time. I would take an amazing SP experience over ANY MP experience anyday. Me sitting alone or with my companion watching amazing storytelling take place is something you don't get with MP games. That's not to say MP games can't offer what great story driven games offers. Sadly though, the reality is that we haven't really had a MP game captivate us on the scale of what SP games do all the time in terms of an enticing narrative.

[Nacho_Z]

If it's good it's good. A lot of single player games are good. It's not rocket science.

[Ratchet75]

Because they re fun.
😉

[tochi]

GaaS never be a substitute of a single player game. They are different kind of entertainment by design.

A single player game is designed to give satisfaction at the end of play. Otherwise no one buy next game.
On the other hand, GaaS should be designed not to give a feeling of satisfaction or fullness, or even sense of completion. Otherwise, player won't turn to repeater.
In basic, a single player game and a full feature film share the same design philosophy, as do GaaS and a TV drama.

Stupidity of game industry is that they are killing their own possibility and diversity as an entertainment industry by overly focusing on the short term profit.
Hollywood didn't stop making movies when TV became main stream media. They just started making movies AND dramas.

[sampsonon]

because Sony is making them.

[Godmars290]

Because many of the major devs and publishers pushing that agenda never rely invested in them.

[NeoGamer232]

I do not feel single player games are thriving.

There are less and less of them and more and more games are moving to online models.

Single Player games should thrive because to me they are art.

[sampsonon]

as long as there is PS it will thrive. well, at least for people that own a PS.

[NeoGamer232]

Again, each year only having a few AAA SP games is not thriving it is survival through decreasing competition. I am desperate on all my platforms including PS for more SP games.

[sampsonon]

@NeoGamer232: quality over quantity.

MS is learning that lesson the hard way.

[NeoGamer232]

@samponson
I can agree with quality over quantity for sure.

But, I feel there can be more SP games and still not kill quality... Too many SP developers have disappeared in the last few years.

[sampsonon]

@NeoGamer232:
"Too many SP developers have disappeared in the last few years."

this is true. but i feel with the success of sony's single player games this gen MS, and other companies, now understand that a quality sp game gives them cred and can be profitable.

hopefully it shows them that if they take their time and they make sure they don't rush an unfinished sp game out the door, it will payoff in the end.

i get what you're saying for sure though.
if rumors are correct we should be getting 3 sp titles from Sony this yr, which is amazing considering the scale of these games.

i also believe Sony understands that they can fill the single player void that other companies are leaving, by doubling down on their commitment to the genre.

[Chaos_Order]

Because signals player games have far more potential to become masterpieces than multiplayer. Don't get me wrong, there are multiplayer games that I love, and I've put over 800 hours into Tekken 7, but overall, very few multiplayer games reach that zenith of brilliance while many single player games do. For me, at least.

[CrimsonWing69]

Because they’re videogames? Like what do you mean why are single player video games thriving?

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

Can we have a conversation not only about those that did well but the one's that fail. I feel pointing out only the ones that are doing well and that cost the most money to make isn't helping us understand whats going on in the industry.

[MrBobSugar]

As an older gamer (44), I have one word for why ... escapism.

[Thundercat77]

Because people want to experience a story where they feel connected to without cheaters, people taking trash, microtransactions and exesive grinding.

Good quality single player games will never go away. SP games are the founders of gaming.

[Ninver]

Because gamers preferan engaging story driven experience? I know I do.

[mastershredder]

Ummmmm because people still play them? I love this new fad of single player games being the focus of nonsense.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I eventually get bored of multiplayer games, I think I need a sense of completeness or conclusion to be satisfied, most MP game's matches tend to play out in a similar way after you've played enough anyway.

[Playbey0nd]

Those who care about a story get immersed in the world and the characters. It’s just a different taste when you want to follow/grow with a character. I’m glad there are games for those who like to link/join together in MP or battle royale. Me personally will always get lost in a SP campaign because it’s like an extended movie. A work of art if done right.

[TheVigilanteCode]

"Why Are Single Player Games Still Thriving?"

Simple answer: An overwhelming mass majority of consumers, ON ALL PLATFORMS, still prefer to play the old school way of playing video games.

This does NOT mean that people "HATE" the multiplayer portion in a game or the entire "GaaS" service based titles.

[Elda]

Sp games are going nowhere.

[DVAcme]

Cause people like narrative-driven games.
Cause people like complete gaming experiences without being hassled by pay2win.
Cause people don't like to depend on other players for their fun.
Cause people like new IPs instead of the Nth iteration of franchise X.

[lio_convoy]

Because they're fun, and you don't have to go online. Being offline is a huge part of gaming. If you don't get that, you're not a real gamer.

[TheGamez100]

Because theyre complete games with great engaging stories to tell and you can take your time with them unlike so many of these muliplayer focused/live service games.

[kayoss]

Because gamers like an engaging story and a great experience. Its like watching a good movie but you get to control the characters.

[Enigma_2099]

Because multiplayer isn't necessary to make a good game?

[masterfox]

Because they are unique unforgettable experiences something that will never ever a MP only game will achieve.

[Tross]

There's something about a game with a defined beginning, middle and end that I can enjoy at my own leisure regardless of servers and whatnot that I find attractive, especially with the backlog I have. Singleplayer games can also be great for story and other aspects of a game's experience that I just can't get from a series of online matches in a FPS like whatever CoD game is the most recent. That's not to say the online multiplayer experience can't be great in its own right. It's just different, and all types of games have their strengths.

That said, what really tips the scale for me in favour of singleplayer is that a good singleplayer title is timeless and can be enjoyed decades later while multiplayer expires like a food item with a limited shelf life once the servers are shut off. I guess you could argue that it's better to enjoy a more fleeting experience now while it's available, but I personally like being able to go back and enjoy my old favourite games from gens past from time to time and that's just not a thing with online multiplayer titles for the most part.

As for GaaS, I think people still prefer experiences that are complete from day 1 and not filled with MTs, so companies like EA can take that garbage and shove it up their pipes. About the only GaaS formula I accept is MTs for F2P games, and that's only because those games don't have an initial price of admission and need to make money somehow. When money is provided up front, especially if it's full retail price, I'm of the opinion that a company forfeits their right to complain about any backlash they receive for that. I also expect better from a full retail release on my console of choice than the kind of experience I can get from a F2P mobile game. Just saying.

[BioDead]

I NEVER play multiplayer/online games. I literally dislike them in total after I tried them on some games. Sometimes I see some game that looks promising, but after finding out it is multiplayer I drop the controller. The reason is the people there and if I really want to do a mission or whatever the other player is fooling around or leaves or is a shitty player. I also want to PAUSE the game and have breaks as I want. If SP dies then dies my playings.

[Segata]

I don't care much for MP games. Even games like Warframe or Star Trek Online I mostly play Solo. I esp like how I can keep them for years and years and play them even if the MP aspect was shut down.

[demonicale]

Because not everyone plays multiplayer? What a stupid article.

[Acecalibur]

Stupid ass question

[Profchaos]

Because there experiences compared to multi-player only games that feel repetitive and rely on carrot dangling to tempt players to keep playing reach level 50 and unlock this riffle etc.

Single player games are motion picture blockbuster titles fun to play once or twice they tell an epic story but like even the best movies you can only play them so much before you see everything while multiplayer games are like reality TV junk that relies on addictive gambling tactics like dangling new gear and flashy round scores in front of your face you've seen everything in the first two hours but keep playing.

I hope the recent issues and weak sales around fallout 76, anthem and bf v for example drive the bigger publishers to take note the mp market is over saturated with looter shooters and battle royale titles people still crave a well crafted single player experience

Sure there's games that try to do both i.e watch dogs 2 and they are somewhat successful those arnt so bad because they still have the primary focus on the single player content

[BuildTheWall]

We're still buying them?

[Wotbot]

I’ve always preferred single player games for the deeper level experience, the story, the emotions and connections you build up from the game, I love them.

For a thrill, online gaming is the way to go but I prefer local social gaming, Mario Kart that kind of thing

[S2Killinit]

Because we love playing them. Because they existed before there was multiplayer games.

[adonisisfree]

Because multi player games tend to be broken and unbalanced. Not to mention people are naturally dicks to each other. Im not saying MP games are worthless, i would in fact like an option as to weither or not i would like my game to go live.

[Orionsangel]

Because at their core most online games are competitive and one dimensional. The idea is always kill the opponent. No real substance. You're just trying to beat someone or a team. Rinse and repeat. Where single player games have so many layers like the story, exploration and discovery, pacing, puzzle solving and fleshed out characters. Some of us don't care about beating some stranger who lives miles away. We just want to get lost in a great adventure!

[RosweeSon]

Quality

[trooper_]

Quality and most of them tell a great story.

[Psychotica]

I grew up in the Atari age and that's all there was unless a friend came over, so I still prefer it. It's just more relaxing to be alone in a game world than playing a game where they expect you to play as a team and communicate.

[william_cade]

Because when done well, they are hand crafted experiences that put the player first. I can genuinely feel the appreciation a studio has for its fans/players in games like HZD, Bloodborne, Last of Us, Uncharted etc. Whereas GaaS are copy paste experiences that do nothing more than insult and berate the player until they give up and visit the MT shop.

[Mr Marvel]

Because single player games are better and you don’t have to deal with obnoxious little shits online.

[cyber_daemonx]

Because the narrative that some aaa pubs are pushing is bullcrap. Single player story focused games are going nowhere thank god.

[bignosepig]

I don't even have a playstation but I envy those single player games (spiderman, God of war, horizon zero dawn, etc) and they push console sales and as long companies realize that's what players want they will deliver what are hopefully some amazing experiences

[agnosticgamer]

Because they can be really fun with deep engaging gameplay and storylines... usually with little or no microtransactions.

[AmUnRa]

For years now people where saying" Singleplayers are dead, singleplayerplayer games are play once an done games, multiplayergames are the future" and so on.

Singleplayergames are far from dead, they are a big part of gaming. And they are important.
And singleplayergames can coexist with multiplayergames.

I said it before when singleplayergames are not a part of gaming, i will stop gaming, i love storys told in games, i mean gaming would be dull without storydriven games like Uncharted, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn and so on. Story driven singleplayer games will always be important.

[battlegrog]

I really hope you people are not clicking links to such sruoid topics. But then again people are talking about it lol

[xRacer74x]

I prefer SP games. Could care less about MP games to be honest. Its rare I want to play with others. When I game I like to just chill and play how I want and what I want.

[DreadGara]

Click bait thriving much

[Gatsu]

Story, characters, music, gameplay....it's always better with these in single player games.

[Vithar]

wtf is with these topics, not everything has to be Fortnite

[milohighclub]

Because for the most part sp games are made with love for the craft most mp game however are cash grabs with no motivation except those $$ bills, y'all.

[bluefox755]

For me, they're just far more memorable. A good single player game sticks with you, like a great book.

[shinoff2183]

Its because its still what a majority of us gamers still want and prefer. Multiplayer games lack so much.

[gleepot]

because not everyone loves dicking around with a bunch of buttholes

[BadElf]

Well, gamers still exist.

I dont mean the "gamers" that play Apex Legends and write about the strong black characters every other day to get clicks.

While thats happening, plenty of us have been enjoying ourselves in Metro Exodus.

[blacktiger]

While we love watching movies with everyone, watching movie alone is still the best choice, get it?

[opc]

People like playing at their own pace.

[BLUEKNIFE]

Because they are unique experiences that connect players and game characters in a very special way.
This is not about repetition, it is about a compelling story which you feel part of it.

[ShinRon]

theirs room for all genres and styles of gaming to prosper

[Sweetbrandigirl]

I'll tell you WHY because single player games are what the vast majority of the gaming community want. We gamers like whats fun and with a single player game you have no one to please but yourself you can jump and play when your ready no waiting on someone else. The issue is that gaming companies are greedy and they want every fucking penny they can squeeze from a game thats why they want to focus on multiplayer and online games because that s were they make the most money.

[LuzCB1987]

A lot of people don't have friends.

[1nsomniac]

Why do we keep getting asked this stupid question?

It’s as if there’s an agenda to get rid of them because you can’t milk them as much as you can a multiplayer game...

[noob_zero]

GoW, mario odyssey, horizon, dmc5, bloodborne, infamous, spiderman, wild breath. These games and more are the answer to this question

[v_eno_m]

Q) "What makes the classic single player formula still so attractive?"

A) "They're not using live service and GaaS formulas"

[pinkcrocodile75]

It'd like buying a book. Simple

[FanboysKiller]

Cause it just works.

[Bleucrunch]

Because I love a good story and will pay for that experience over MP game ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. Furthermore, I love playing with other gamers online as much as the next person, however, I also like playing games by myself and not have to deal with the multitude of negatives associated with MP gaming.

Getting lost in a good RPG (Octopath Traveler, SKyrim, Witcher 3) or Adventure (Bloodborne, Horizon, GOW, Spiderman) game is difficult to explain and can NEVER be duplicated in a MP experience....Single player will NEVER die!!!

[RCslayer]

Because there are still some gamers with a brain and not obsessed with MP bs.