Video gaming is one of the most popular pastimes in the world, in which there are 3.09 active video gamers across the world today. It comes as no surprise that the industry is also one of the fastest growing in the world, with predictions that it will be worth more than $385 billion by the end of 2027.
The major appeal of video gaming is that people can not only witness an exciting narrative like a movie or tv show, but they can also get fully involved in it and become one of the characters in the story, offering a way for people to escape their current reality and immerse themselves in a new and exciting world.
Thanks to technology, today’s video games are vastly different to when they first came out. In fact, there have been 960 gaming console releases since the first gaming console launch when video gaming in the home was new and novel. Today, players can choose from all kinds of genres, from esports games like Fifa, to battle arena games like CoD, or fantasy adventure games like Animal Crossing. There really is something for everyone when it comes to content.
However, there are two distinct ways of playing video games; solo play and multiplay. Multiplayer games have become particularly popular in recent years, in which gaming sales have increased significantly.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at why multiplayer games are so popular and review some of the most popular multiplayer games currently.
Why Are Multiplayer Games So Popular?
Multiplayer video games are somewhat of a recent advancement in the gaming world, in which more traditional video games were developed for solo play. As such, statistics show that 57% of video gamers prefer single player mode overall.
However, when looking closer at statistics, this can be broken up into generational categories, with older generations preferring single player mode. It is thought that this is because multiplayer mode simply was not an option so much a few decades ago.
Differentially, players aged 35 and younger have been found to either prefer multiplayer mode, or have no preference at all, showing that the multiplayer option is much more popular in younger generations. So, what exactly is the appeal of multiplayer games?
▶ A Sense of Community
In the real world, there are many barriers to establishing a sense of community. From fear of being judged by others, to being different to societal norms, experiencing social anxiities, or being physically isolated, it is not always easy to feel a sense of belonging.
However, the multiplayer gaming world allows gamers to come together in what is traditionally quite an isolated activity and share their video gaming fantasy world with others. Not only can people bond over this shared experience but they can build up relationships through interactions with other players in the game and create their own sense of community where there are shared familiar languages, objects, rules and social norms.
▶ The Social Aspect
There’s no denying that playing a game with others can often be more fun as you have someone else to share the experience with. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to fight villains or embracing your competitive spirit as you go head-to-head with strangers, there’s something exhilarating about this shared social experience.
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▶ Real Interactions
Playing against a computer can be fun since it has the ability to mix up outcomes and ensure surprise around every corner. However, it can also get repetitive and a little meaningless when you know you’re not communicating with or battling against other real people.
Playing in multiplayer mode adds a more human element to the game which makes it seem more like reality and less like a video game.
The Best Multiplayer Games Around
Today, there are a huge variety of multiplayer games to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones below.
❖ Among Us
Among Us is a game that has gone viral over the past couple of years and is still highly popular today. It can be described as a sort of social experiment where you must find out who the traitor is.
❖ Apex Legends
Apex legends is a strategic and highly interactive game that takes place over an expansive battleground.
❖ Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter Strike is a multiplayer shooter game and global legacy. While the game is dated, it still has a huge fan base for those looking to dive into Terrorist vs. Counter-Terrorist tactical team action.
Overall, with many people now turning to the online world to gain social interaction and join a like-minded community, it is no surprise that multiplayer games are highly popular with younger generations, in which it seems the industry will thrive for years to come.