Does Local Multiplayer still have a Place in Modern Gaming?

[asia_catdog_blue]

Everything seems to be about "online experiences." Majority playing against random strangers all over the North Equator over people you truly know.

 

[Hinichii.ez.™]

Considering, there is a great deal of lag online, across many titles, and most tournaments are run, "offline.." I would imagine so.

 

[Cyn]

It's unfortunate to me that gaming has strayed away from the group play dynamic. While it is obviously still there, it is not as prevalent as before. It can be a good thing though because it brings people together who would otherwise never get to play with each other. An example of this is friends who have grown up and gone their separate ways in life. Some people move away from friends and they can stay connected now. I'd say overall, it is a good thing.

 

[finalark]

Jesus Christ yes. As Previously stated, local will always have a place due to the competitive gaming scene (could you imagine in fighting game tournaments took place online?). Plus you have to consider the fact that online isn't really for everyone, usually due to the fact that some folks don't have a good internet connection making some games unplayable.

Not to mention the fact that playing with a group of people in the same room will always beat playing over the internet. LAN parties are more fun than just playing the same game over skype. Being able to pass high fives around the room when you and your friends complete a really hard challenge in a co-op game or that adrenaline that shoots through everyone in the room during an intense competitive game. It's just unmatched by playing online.

Although raiding in MMOs does come close.

 

[Grizzmeister]

Yes local multiplayer still has a place in modern gaming. For example, even though Sm4sh does include an on-line component, playing local is still infinitely superior thanks to the absence of lag.