Video games are very popular, and their popularity is only on the rise. A study predicts that the global video game market’s value will increase from 155.89 billion dollars (2020) to 268.81 billion dollars in 2025.
The Covid-19 pandemic seems to have only boosted video game sales further. Indeed, towards the end of the first global lockdown, around May 2020, sales of video games reached a new record.
Video game sales in the U.S increased from 2.98 billion dollars in 2019 to 4.34 billion dollars in May 2020.
When purchasing or downloading a game, players will usually have a wide variety of options.
For example, they can choose between two main types of gaming: solo or multiplayer.
Selecting the ‘solo’ gaming option means you will play without any teammates. This is a good option if you are looking to play alone.
If you pick the “multiplayer” option, you can play with friends or teammates. This is a good option if you are interested in playing with other players.
History of gaming
Gaming was originally created for socialising and requested at least two players.
For example, the oldest playable boardgame in the world is the Royal Game of Ur. Created around 4,600 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, this game required two players to compete against each other.
Both players had to race their pieces from one end of the board to the other.
Nowadays, boardgames can be played solo against a computer. This was made possible with the progress of technology and virtual games.
However, virtual games were not initially designed to be played solo either.
The first video game ever invented was actually a multiplayer game. The 1958 invention was called “Tennis for Two”.
Created by physicist William Higinbotham, the game requested players to “turn a knob to adjust the angle of the ball”. After this was done, they could “push a button to hit the ball towards the other player”.
The game was very simple, with no extra features and barely any graphics.
Popular multiplayer games
Although playing solo is now a common and popular option, multiplayer online games still exist.
Multiplayer games are available not only on consoles but also on mobile phones nowadays.
Many online video games even allow players to invite family members, friends, and acquaintances to play with them.
However, despite the existence and popularity of both solo and multiplayer games, players seem to prefer solo games.
In 2021, a study revealed that the majority of players prefer single player video games to multiplayer video games. Only 19% of the study’s participants said they enjoyed playing online with friends, versus 59% for solo gaming.
For those interested in single player gaming options, some of the most popular solo games of the last years include:
- Red Dead Redemption II (Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Stadia)
- Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4)
- Fallout: New Vegas (Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows)
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
For those interested in multiplayer gaming options, some of the most popular multiplayer games of the last years include:
- Fortnite (several platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
- League of Legends (available on every device)
- Crossfire (every device)
- Roblox (every device)
- Minecraft (every device)
Some games include both a solo and multiplayer mode. For example, casino games offer different options. Players can now easily access a range of casino providers online, where they can play the game against friends or solo if they wish.
Online slots games can be played solo. Players simply spin the reels and wait for them to stop.
Depending on the symbols that appear on the slot machines, players can either win a lot of money, little money, or nothing at all.
Other casino games, such as poker, are multiplayer games. Therefore, if you play poker online, you will be competing against other gamers.
Both gaming options have their benefits and limitations.
Playing a game in ‘solo’ mode gives you the opportunity to compete against yourself. You can use the ‘solo’ gaming mode to beat your own personal records.
However, it does not give you the opportunity to meet fellow players or to play against real people. In ‘solo’ mode, you will only be competing against a machine.
Competing against a machine can make it hard for you to assess your level compared to other players.
On the other hand, playing a game in ‘multiplayer’ mode can also have its own benefits and limitations.
Thanks to the multiplayer mode, you can meet other players. It gives you the opportunity to join a community of fellow gamers.
However, playing a multiplayer game means you rely on your game partners.
Gamers tend to have different levels, with some being complete beginners and other experts. Because of this, some might find it frustrating to play with fellow gamers.
Other gamers can also be rude at times, making the gaming experience less enjoyable.
Video games, either on mobile, PC or console are on the rise. With the Covid-19 pandemic, more individuals began to purchase video games.
With the growth of the sector, consumers now have the option to purchase solo games or multiplayer games. As mentioned previously, studies have shown that gamers tend to prefer single-player games.
In this article, we have analysed both solo and multiplayer games. We have discussed the benefits and limitations of each type of gaming mode.
It is up to you now to decide whether you are more of a solo or a multiplayer gamer, or a little bit of both.
