Online multiplayer has pretty much made split-screen gameplay its bitch. The function has been abandoned in half the games out there, and in the ones that it is in it makes one wonder how often it is used. I for one love me some split-screen as I don't think the experience of playing a game physically next to someone can be replicated by online play, but maybe I'm in the minority. It's also true that adding split-screen into a game can create added challenges for developers (especially when the game is being played online), which is why Brink's Paul Wedgwood says the game's inclusion of the feature is still undecided.
At the Eurogamer Expo yesterday the Splash Damage dev said, "We’re undecided on split-screen for Brink,” after being asked about the game supporting it. He then went on to explain about the challenges putting it into the game created and whether or not the feature was even necessary at all. Considering Brink is all about online co-op and an ever changing online battle I can see where they're coming from with the idea that it just wouldn't be needed, but the old school gamer in me dies a bit more admitting it.
Matthew Razak is Destructoid's Associate editor and co-founder of film site
Flixist. He began as community member "cowzilla" and was since sequestered to write brainy features material. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife.
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Contest:
11:00 AM on 10.31.2009
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Header image made me chuckle.
Esepcially if it had splitscreen that you can still system link with, loved that about Halo and Gears
My dad and brother loved split-screenin' it up in Resistance 1, for example. And my friend and I have played online Halo together, which we probably wouldn't have done if we weren't right next to each other and able to make fun of the hilarious 12 year olds calling each us "gay" every time we killed them.
It really depends on the game, but I hope they don't do away with splitscreen altogether!! It's just a very different experience that should be part of gaming!
But with Borderlands, no shennanigans are required. Just sit down on the couch and play.
I don't think that some developers realize how important the option for split-screen is to a lot of us. Of course the graphics take a hit but that's to be expected and we don't mind if it gives us the oppurtunity share a couch and have some multiplayer madness with friends. Split-screen is part of the reason that I picked up Motorstorm: PR but not the first Motorstorm or other games like GriD.
Also, there are still many PS3/360 owners who haven't connected to the internet or got Live. Not including split-screen doesn't give them any option for multiplayer and often loses the game a sale.
@Doos
AGREED
I remember when I bought Motorstorm (the original) for a party only to find out it was limited to 1 player!
As long as Modnation Racers has split-screen i'll be ok though.
Has there been any video for this yet? I still haven't seen any.
So fucking true. I want to know just exactly what is going on in these devs' heads when they make these idiotic decisions.
Fuck you devs.
It doesn't matter how many features they can pack into an online multiplayer game, it will never be a better feeling than actually racing or shooting or whatever with friends who are actually in the same room as you.
Of course that's not always possible, but just because online is a big thing in gaming these days doesn't mean developers should be lazy and not include split-screen.
While the benchmark of multiplayer will always be online, I think a lot of games are selling themselves short by banking all of it with online, because you'll definitely get people with off-line.
Yes, Borderlands does have 2 person splitscreen, I've been utilizing it a ton lately. But just be aware, you can't take a 2 person splitscreen party and play online with another party. You can either play completely online, or play only you and your buddy on your box.
Let people play split screen in person and you can lead to more sales, since if someone is all about said game, they can hit a 24/7 shop and get a copy, on the way home.
Split screen also works great for showing friends and family how to play. Offline is not necessarily an inferior option.
Why do these game company people, assume gamers never have IRL gamer friends @ their houses? The more methods for people to get their hands on a good game = more potential sales.
Word of Mouth and 1st hand experience are some of the best sales mechanisms around.