Single player games are more popular than multiplayer, reports Sony

During the end of the Xbox 360 and PS3 era, as well as the start of the previous generation, many analysts and even some video game publishers proclaimed that single player games were no longer viable as video game players reportedly preferred online titles. A generation on from the debate, it appears as though this argument has been debunked, as recent internal documents at Sony have indicated that PlayStations users spend more of their time playing single player games.

As reported by Vice, Sony’s “own data showed that people were spending more time playing single player games” debunking the idea that single player games are dead and will eventually be replaced by live-service titles.

This narrative first sprung up following the launch of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 which included a robust multiplayer framework which allowed for games such as Halo, Gears of War, Call of Duty, and more to offer full and complete online multiplayer services. Coming into the previous generation, this narrative was further emphasised with companies such as EA claiming that single player games are no longer popular.

While it is true that online games are more popular than ever, it isn't a zero sum game as is now clear, thanks to the report by Vice, that single player games are objectively still popular. We recently reported that both Marvel’s Spider-Man and God of War have sold over 20 million copies each – neither of which feature any online components.

As we begin a new generation of gaming, it is clear that all three console manufacturers still put a great deal of stock into single player gaming – and while there is certainly a place for multiplayer games, so too is there for single player experiences.

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KitGuru says: Do you enjoy single player games? Do you play offline or online more? Do you think single player games will ever die? Let us know down below.

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