anotherVegan
Member
At least you are wasting time with friends.
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Convince me multiplayer isn't a waste of time.
- Thread starter Scrabble
- Start date
Multiplayer IS a waste of time. But then again so is single player, and any other sort of fictional experience including books, movies etc (outside of a small number which may have an impact on your life).
So the question to ask yourself is, why am I partaking in fiction? If it is to have fun and get away from reality for awhile and relax, then who cares if it's a waste of time? It is serving its purpose.
If you are partaking in fiction to grow as an individual and learn life lessons etc, then multiplayer is obviously not something you should bother with. Stick with the more story driven games or read books.
And of course, it's not like it's one or the other all the time. Your goals will go back and forth.
So the question to ask yourself is, why am I partaking in fiction? If it is to have fun and get away from reality for awhile and relax, then who cares if it's a waste of time? It is serving its purpose.
If you are partaking in fiction to grow as an individual and learn life lessons etc, then multiplayer is obviously not something you should bother with. Stick with the more story driven games or read books.
And of course, it's not like it's one or the other all the time. Your goals will go back and forth.
I feel like I didn't fully become a "gamer" until I learned to just put a game down when its not fun anymore. Even if I'm only a few hours away from getting 100% completion or something like that, if I feel bored of it I'll put it down and probably won't play it either ever again, or not for a long time.
Same thing goes for multiplayer, it's only a waste of time if you're simply not enjoying it anymore. Time spent on video games is just time spent, it doesn't matter what game your playing or if you're playing single or multiplayer.
Same thing goes for multiplayer, it's only a waste of time if you're simply not enjoying it anymore. Time spent on video games is just time spent, it doesn't matter what game your playing or if you're playing single or multiplayer.
Pretty much how I feel. I ultimately came to the realization that inspired this thread after playing BF3 for the past week. I got premium on a sale and so I've been working on completing the assignments to unlock the guns and other equipment. I've been playing a few hours day after day unlocking this weapon with that scope, and then getting such and such weapon by getting x number of kills. Ranking up to unlock the next new weapon and then it just sort of hit me "the fuck am I doing this for." It's fun sure, but like I said at that point it becomes nothing more than a toy. Which is fine every now and then, but spending tens or even hundreds of hours on something that amounts to nothing more than just being a time sink is hard for me to rationalize how this is a valuable use of my time.
Skiesofwonder
Walruses, camels, bears, rabbits, tigers and badgers.
I find myself feeling this way about online multiplayer after awhile. In single-player games I feel as if I am working towards something and an end is in sight, and with local multiplayer I'm playing with friends so it's more of a social event in my mind.
I can sympathize with you.
I don't play competitive games online against other people. I hate boastful winners, and I hate sore losers. Because human action in a game is so totally random, I don't have any perception on a game's outcome. Did I win because I was actually more skilled? Or was there a bad connection? Did the other player just have an unlucky run? Did he have a bad day? Or was the other player just really bad and I merely wasn't quite as bad? In most cases I have the opponent hurl insults at me no matter the outcome, and that just makes me miserable. I see no need to spend time in doing that.
Local competitive gaming puts the loathsome responses in your physical space, which is arguably a worse thing to experience.
When playing a single game with a goal of a high score or the like, there is the common framework imposed on all players that we all have to handle the same obstacles. We all compete with each other rather than against each other. If someone is better than a game like this than I am, I only have myself to blame. If I am better than someone else, it is because of my ability and the other person's lack of ability. The differences are clearly defined.
For cooperative multiplayer, how much I felt that my time wasn't wasted really depended heavily on how well the players worked together, our collective response to game events, and the purpose that I served for the group. My first real foray into online cooperative gaming was Diablo 3, and because I was able to fulfill those requirements to my satisfaction more often than not, that's how I managed to spend so much time in it. I'm well aware of the problems which that game has, but being able to accomplish things with a good group which was able to recognize and acknowledge our individual efforts was the feedback which I desired and received. An example of a local cooperative game which gave a similar kind of good response for me was Rock Band. Meanwhile, it is for a lack of this kind of response that I do get more of a deadened sensation of wastefulness when I do something like play Torchlight 2 with my wife. We've tried it a few times and things go fine enough in the game, and she says she enjoyed the time, but I still have a nagging feeling to the contrary.
In general, though, I spend a grand majority of my game time in single player games. I don't like feeling dependent on interaction with other players for me to enjoy a video game.
If you want to feel that multiplayer isn't a waste of time, the impetus is on you to clearly set your standards and goals as to what you want to accomplish each time you sit to play.
I just can't get behind this line of thinking. Have you really never played a game that was nothing more than a time sink? When I think back on some of my favorite games, games like Escape from Butcher Bay, Half Life 2, or Assassins' Creed 2, those to me are powerful experiences that were worth much more than the time put into them. Even music, which I failed to discuss, can challenge a line of thinking, enhance creatively, inspire me to write, or just continue the day a happier and better person. When's the last time a multiplayer session ever did anything like that?
Arc Christelle
Member
I don't know what experiences you may have gotten, but you were still wasting time. Just happened to enjoy it.
I don't really know about the others. But there is a reason I still haven't finished Assassin's Creed 2..... I really don't find it offering nothing to me gameplaywise. After trolling npcs for awhile I did a couple of missions to progress the story then eventually just got bored of it. I didn't see anything worthwhile it's mechanics had to offer.
Another thing about multiplayer is that it also demonstrates the depth of a game's mechanics. That kind of discovery feels rewarding in itself. It's the reason I still play fighting games like MVC2, Third Strike, Garou, Vanguard Princess and even Street Fighter X Tekken. It's that Rubicks Cube effect. I want to experiment and test out my abilities. Even now I'm trying to figure out ways to use Gato's Fuu Ga Cancel to create some interesting combos.
It's the very thing that has created my disinterest in Lost Planet 3, after the first two games offered a lot to me when it came to multiplayer and mechanics. It's why of all FPS's I could've been a fan of, I chose Battlefield. If you play with people and embrace it, you will get those compelling experiences.
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
I consider narrative-driven games largely pointless and rarely play anything that isn't competitive (be it multiplayer, score-focused or otherwise challenge-driven singleplayer), so I can't relate.
Holy Order Sol
Member
Pretty much.
Exactly.
-Stranger-
Junior Member
Well i play multiplayer because you know it's fun!
See I am the complete opposite.
I very rarely, if ever, purchase a game for the SP side. To me it just appears mundane and boring and it has never really interested me. I would much rather watch a Movie or read a Book. Games on the other hand I play for the competitive nature, I love MP games whether it be Co-Op or otherwise, only thing I play.
I think I see where you're coming from OP, do you perhaps have a backlog that keeps increasing instead of the opposite? I don't think MP is a waste of time but I simply don't bother with it anymore since I got so many Single Player games that I want to beat and experience, it all boils down to where you're having fun or not I suppose, if you're having fun like when I played AE (SFIV) and Marvel online then it sure as hell is not a waste of time.
competitive CS:S to me was the pinnacle of gaming. the teamwork, social team based politics, strategy, preparation, learning to gel, etc all for organized leagues. it's like having a second family all with the same goal in mind. if you have the time and patience for it you may find it equally rewarding.
SixMachine
Member
I can easily say that that has happened to many people. The games you discussed after you finish the story, you would reflect on it afterward, you can go back and replay it, but what's done is done, the game won't be expanded upon until a sequel, dlc, or expansion comes along.
With a multiplayer game, the gameplay itself is dynamic. The twist is the story and details you should be reflecting on is yourself and your opponent. In fighting games, there is a clear goal, be better then your opponent, and the long term is be the best (whether it be your local scene, state, or maybe even the world). The gameplay is dynamic in that the strategy and mechanics can evolve (like if someone found a new technique that can be applied practically), so your opponents are not as static as the AI in a game. More importantly they are human. You can play mindgames on a human and interestingly enough, the more you play against a person the more you understand how they tick. You can reflect on what they really hate. If you get them in a corner and know they are prone to panic, you can try to bait them. If you know that they are a rather aggressive person, maybe you can play more defensive and catch them pushing a wrong button and get them whiffing. You also need to know yourself. If you know what you hate (like say you hate getting knocked down or zoned out) you can try to think of a strategy that minimizes you to be in such situations, but if you are too obvious you opponent can start downloading you. And like any game, creative people actually put in work in the genre, pushing what can be done with the tool that are given with them.
Not only that but outside of the game is also important, how you express yourself to the community. How you act toward others and how they treat you in return is more important than a cinematic or an ending to a game, because it effects the most important story, your own. If you have your emotions on your sleeve and act really cranky when losing, people will notice. If you pop off and talk smack people will see that too. Some people want to create rivalries or hype up people, and some just want some clean fun. How you act and participate is one of the most important things when it comes to competitive gaming. Not only that you also effect the community and it's growth. You can encourage others to also participate. I have seen people play alone, and I have no problem sitting down and having matches getting to know them, even when I don't even know how to play the game.
Fimbulvetr
Member
Well, technically, all entertainment is a waste of time. Just think of it like that and everything will be fine.
I've had very few positive experiences with online gaming, but I can see the appeal. I empathise with the OP, however, and have some suggestions.
- local co-op story games:
Some of my best gaming experiences have been the three Crystal Chronicles co-op games, which I played 4 player every Wednesday evening at a friends' house. We'd have dinner together then play for a couple of hours.
- Racing games.
I don't love racing games, but their structure means that racing AI vs people is a pretty similar experience. I played a good number of hours of Mario Kart online. It's good casual fun.
- local competitive
Fighting directly against other players doesn't need to be a lifestyle choice, it's just like playing board games.
- local co-op story games:
Some of my best gaming experiences have been the three Crystal Chronicles co-op games, which I played 4 player every Wednesday evening at a friends' house. We'd have dinner together then play for a couple of hours.
- Racing games.
I don't love racing games, but their structure means that racing AI vs people is a pretty similar experience. I played a good number of hours of Mario Kart online. It's good casual fun.
- local competitive
Fighting directly against other players doesn't need to be a lifestyle choice, it's just like playing board games.
This is your main problem. I felt exactly the same as you for a very long time. Try what I did... see if anything clicks...
Play with some Gaffers who like similar games. Develop friendships through multiple adventures in those games, use voice chat of some kind while playing, talk about it here on Gaf. Repeat.
I still can't stand playing multiplayer alone with people I don't know though.
SneakyStephan
Banned
I'd like to know what these masterful singleplayer games that are art and compare to a good book are that you're playing, because they sure aren't on current gen consoles
QisTopTier
XisBannedTier
I heard fighting games have some pretty fun multiplayer but I could totally be wrong
PaulExcellent
Member
If you have friends, it's not.
Do you have friends, OP?
Do you have friends?
Do you have friends, OP?
Do you have friends?
Precisely my experience of online gaming.
I realise playing with friends is an option, but the problem I face is that everyone seems 'way too into it', so I'm only ever dealing with people with hundreds of hours invested. These people always put me off.
Mr_Appleby
Member
there are pro's and con's for both forms and preference is extremely subjective.
have you played things like the Souls games that integrate multi into the single-player world? there's a particular boss fight in Demon's Souls that is a fantastic blend of sp/mp and manages to work it into the story of that boss also.
have you played things like the Souls games that integrate multi into the single-player world? there's a particular boss fight in Demon's Souls that is a fantastic blend of sp/mp and manages to work it into the story of that boss also.
Multiplayer is only fun when you play with friends or at least people that take it about as seriously as they should (which is not at all... Unless you're playing for a huge cash prize, huge is over $100,000.00).
Any other time, no. Multiplayer is a bane to current games and only detracts from stronger single player designs, experiences and overall development time and funding.
Any other time, no. Multiplayer is a bane to current games and only detracts from stronger single player designs, experiences and overall development time and funding.
electroshockwave
Member
Where does something like Journey fit in your "multiplayer games are just toys" but "single player games are true works of art" view?
SixMachine
Member
CambriaRising
Member
It...it was right..
Multiplayer might very well be a waste of your time if it's not something you enjoy. Just realize that tastes vary wildly, accept that no one should have to defend or argue for their own preferences, and follow your bliss.
It could also be that you just haven't found the MP game that's right for you. Your OP's kind of vague; which games are you talking about specifically? I get the same feeling from a lot of modern MP games that focus on unlock progression.
It could also be that you just haven't found the MP game that's right for you. Your OP's kind of vague; which games are you talking about specifically? I get the same feeling from a lot of modern MP games that focus on unlock progression.
The problem with multiplayer is that, as time goes on after a game is released, more and more people stop playing and what is left are the more hardcore players who will figure out (or copy) cookie cutter ways to win, exploits, builds, glitches etc. It happens to every competitive multiplayer game, whether its NBA 2k, Fight Night, Call of Duty, Street Fighter etc. If you are into this, then great, but obviously most people are not as most games lose huge chunks of the playerbase as they naturally move on to something else.
But playing multiplayer with your friends is very fun activity, especially if you are 24+ and up, when people do not have time. I have not seen my best friends in person for 3 months now, but i see them daily on PSN, Steam etc. That way we can have some of our childhood back by playing games online, like the good old days with local multiplayer.
But playing multiplayer with your friends is very fun activity, especially if you are 24+ and up, when people do not have time. I have not seen my best friends in person for 3 months now, but i see them daily on PSN, Steam etc. That way we can have some of our childhood back by playing games online, like the good old days with local multiplayer.
My reasons for multiplayer gaming:
- Socialize with friends out of your geographical location (I've moved from the east coast of the usa, to the mid west, to the west coast, so it allows me to stay in touch with my friends all over the country)
- Think tactically against human opponents (something AI cant really simulate yet)
- Point of "entertainment" is being entertained, if you're having fun how is that a problem?
- Where story based games, tv, and movies, deliver you a story. Multiplayer allows you to experience a story and tell others about it. I've had tons of scenarios where I told my friends about something crazy that happened to me in a multiplayer game.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
Multiplayers games are fun with people.
I play mostly coop, and it's a great chance for me to have fun doing something with friends or randoms. I generally have more fun playing with people than I do playing by myself.
I play mostly coop, and it's a great chance for me to have fun doing something with friends or randoms. I generally have more fun playing with people than I do playing by myself.
nothing wrong with you OP.
Single player games often give you story and that story is leagues better than any m game story.
In summary single player games are like sex with other partner where there is start and end. There are good times, worse times. There is a dinner before and toilet after. There is dirty talk and cuddling. After years you will remember it how it felt and what you did.
Multiplayer games are like fapping. There is start but there is no end. You can fap all day but tommorow you will have problem to remember what you did. Even if you will remember something usually it will be some shitty porno actress with fake smile.
This is a reason why i play only singleplayer games only. After i spend too much hours in COD4 i all my memories from it could be described in 4-5 matches.
meanwhile i perfectly remember the witcher investigation quest
Single player games often give you story and that story is leagues better than any m game story.
In summary single player games are like sex with other partner where there is start and end. There are good times, worse times. There is a dinner before and toilet after. There is dirty talk and cuddling. After years you will remember it how it felt and what you did.
Multiplayer games are like fapping. There is start but there is no end. You can fap all day but tommorow you will have problem to remember what you did. Even if you will remember something usually it will be some shitty porno actress with fake smile.
This is a reason why i play only singleplayer games only. After i spend too much hours in COD4 i all my memories from it could be described in 4-5 matches.
meanwhile i perfectly remember the witcher investigation quest
Dion Blaster
Member
I view it similarly as you. I love local multiplayer though, or online with friends. In that case it's social fun, whereas I view playing randoms online as more of an addiction, still fun of course. I've played far too many FIFA matches online lol, to the point I feel guilty for wasting so much time.
I can't. The first time I ever played CS, I stayed up till like 4 in the morning. The combination of teamwork and the social aspect was all great fun. But to then do that again and again, while fun I just can't see the point in the big picture. It's like I can also become consumed playing Candy Crush on my gf's phone, but I won't dl it onto mine for the specific reason that I should be playing something better on my own time. I'd rather play through an SP or, if an online game, a co-op game where there's a constant search for loot.
The Xtortionist
Member
Defeating a skilled and smart player in a fighting game is absolutely an intellectual challenge. The number of intelligent second-to-second decisions that must be made are ridiculous.
I kinda see where the OP is coming from. When I play single player games, I get this sense of achievement from completing them or improving my score/rank/completion time for games that track those. When I play multiplayer games, I just don't really feel like I'm achieving anything, I'm not even sure why.
SpoonyBard
Banned
It's interesting how online FPS games, like Black Ops II for example, have added experience point system, so players can gain ranks and open up new playable characters. It's almost like the game makers know that multiplayer is just a waste of time, and are adding stuff from single player games to keep people interested.
China Dont Care
Banned
All games are a waste of time.
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
Everything about this post disgusts me.
EXP systems ruin competitive multiplayer. Once they come into the picture, it becomes more about improving your avatar's abilities than improving your skill as a player.
When I play multiplayer, it's because I'm playing with friends. At that point it's like anything else I can play with friends: basketball, a board game, etc.
I rarely ever play multiplayer with random strangers unless it's CS, and when I play with friends it's always with skype or teamspeak on. It's just good time to spend with yer mates.
I rarely ever play multiplayer with random strangers unless it's CS, and when I play with friends it's always with skype or teamspeak on. It's just good time to spend with yer mates.