Microsoft Exec: Developing Single-Player Games is “Complicated”

The debate between gamers wanting more single-player titles versus multiplayer games has been buzzing around lately. One sentiment shared by many in the gaming community is how there seems to be a decline in the production of games with a big single-player campaign. In a recent interview with GameSpot, Xbox Publishing boss Shannon Loftis gave her thoughts on the topic.

When asked if single-player games are dying off, Loftis stated:

I don’t think that there is ever going to be a time when there aren’t single-player, story-based game.

Elaborating on her statement, Loftis explained:

I do think the economics of taking a single-player game and telling a very high fidelity multi-hour story get a little more complicated. Gamers want higher fidelity and they want higher resolution graphics.

It is true that most gamers expect higher quality graphics and in-depth story lines when it comes to single-player games. Game companies must consider the economic viability when developing new games, so the decision to put more time and money into a single-player experience or a multiplayer game can be a difficult one to make.

There are still many big budget single-player games that have recently been released. Just this year the Horizon: Zero Dawn was released for the PS4, and only two years ago Fallout 4 was released for both Xbox One and PS4 as well as on PC. Both titles have received critical acclaim upon release, and new content is always coming out for the two.

Some gamers feel game companies are developing more online multiplayer games since more revenue can be gained from such titles. Loot boxes for new weapons and upgrades can be purchased for some of the most popular multiplayer games available, including the upcoming Battlefront 2. EA has received much criticism for what gamers consider “pay-to-win” features included in the game.

Loftis believes some middle ground can be established when it comes to single-player and multiplayer games. She believes there can be games where players can have a “shared experience of a single-player game,” one example being Grand Theft Auto V Online.

Do you think more single-player games should be developed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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