January seems to be the month everyone makes predictions about 2009 and beyond. I am going to make one in the same area I have been making predictions for the past 10 years, multiplayer gaming.
This year my prediction isn’t so exciting. It’s not really even a prediction. It is actually obvious to anyone who is paying attention – so much so that even FPS developers are catching on . . . kinda. So why am I calling it a prediction? Because I have read so many other articles and blogs making obvious predictions that I am simply succumbing to peer pressure.
I think 2009 is the year we start to see a major trend in multiplayer that shifts away from competition and towards collaboration.
When we think of multiplayer games, it is hard not to think of “frags” or “headshots.” The majority of multiplayer games focus on competition. It has been the major driving force in extending the life and value of many games. This makes sense because it isn’t a stretch to go from “Must beat game” to “Must beat people.”
As multiplayer gamers evolved we began to see: “Must get together and beat people together.” While this concept is showing signs that gamers are connecting with some, the overlying drive is still competition.
The trend I am pointing to now doesn’t involve beating anyone or anything at all. It’s primary motivation is fun, connection and collaboration – games where you play WITH people to have fun not AGAINST them.
After all of these years the Game Industry is finally catching up to the lessons my Kindergarten teacher tried to instill in me when I was 5. Well look at us now!
Both the industry and gamers are evolving and that is exciting. As I look into this further I would like to catalogue games that have successfully implemented collaboration and connection into gameplay. If anyone out there can think of any please fire me a comment or feel free to make a prediction of your own.
