One Vs Many

Why single-player titles are fast becoming gamers’ new “favourite flavour”

- Kenneth Ang

With many next-gen games doubling down on their multi-player experiences and cross-play capabilities, you might be inclined to think that single-player-centric titles would probably start taking a back seat. After all, there isn't much fun to be had going at it alone...or is there?

According to a leaked report from Sony obtained by Vice (thank you!), which showcases player preferences and data for the purpose of PS5 development, it seems that single-player titles aren't just increasing in popularity - they're actually the preferred format for the average console gamer! Specifically, the report mentions that gamers are spending more time dabbling in offline modes rather than online ones.

Needless to say, that comes as a rather interesting surprise, and it's worth digging a little deeper to find out what exactly the rationale is behind this curious development and what effects it might have on the booming gaming industry as a whole.

But before we can get that whole train chugging along, we'll need to layout the tracks. Specifically, why might people decide to play single-player games over multi-player ones?

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER TOXIC MULTI-PLAYER LOBBY

You, me, your cat, and the neighbour's goldfish from two blocks down are probably aware of this fact: you can do whatever you want in single-player without fear of judgment.

Don't be fooled. At first glance, this statement might seem quite common sense or even facepalm-worthy, but it actually encompasses a much wider scope of issues than it appears to, especially when you bring in the biggest, most unrelenting problem in multi-player games: toxicity.