A reader is concerned traditional multiplayer modes, like The Last Of Us: Factions, are being phased out in favour of live service titles.
The general reception to the cancellation of The Last Of Us Online has been positive. Surprisingly so, given the hype for the game. But would people be so celebratory if the game was Factions 2? I shall explain why I am very disappointed and fear for the future of multiplayer games in general.
There is a growing stigma against live service titles, aka games as a service (GAAS). Derived from the free-to-play model, they’re solely designed to monetise and fuel engagement. Some studios tackle this model differently, such as Bungie, which charge full price for a game. The upshot being the expectation is even greater, which can have even more dire consequences. Sea Of Thieves is another example, which was bare bones upon release but has approached extra content in a more traditional manner.
There are a host of examples which have aspired to be live service but lacked the necessary content at launch. Halo Infinite is one, which is now in fantastic shape and has seen players return. Therefore, is longer development time the answer? I would like to think not.
When I reflect upon the multiplayer games I’ve enjoyed over the years, I didn’t tire of playing the same maps on Call Of Duty 2. I wasn’t wishing I had a new skin to celebrate the Halloween season. Granted, standards have changed, but the principal of creating a good, fun multiplayer game hasn’t. Nail that aspect and the rest will fall into place. If I recall correctly, it was Modern Warfare 2 which first introduced new maps. I don’t think this was ever done to prevent the player-base from becoming bored. No, it was good old Bobby Kotick fleecing the fanbase for more money.
During lockdown, Warzone was my go-to timewaster. I don’t ever recall me hoping they would blow-up the stadium to keep me entertained. Admittedly, it would have taken a lot to remove me from that damn game. My point being, the game was engaging enough without any need for new content. I am probably Activision’s worst customer, however. I only ever bought a few guns and a Rambo skin. But that’s the free-to-play model for you. There will be some gamers who spend ungodly amounts of money and freeloaders like myself who take advantage of their generosity.
Factions was the multiplayer mode for the PlayStation 3 and 4 versions of The Last Of Us, although it was removed for The Last Of Us Part 1 on PlayStation 5 and PC. I think most who played Factions would agree it was a fun multiplayer game. It didn’t do anything special but carried on the main themes of the single-player experience competently. The fact Naughty Dog referred to the sequel as The Last Of Us Online suggests it was a bona fide live service title, and possibly even free-to-play. I do feel their statement on Twitter was exaggerated and disabling comments rather spineless. I feel some constructive criticism was warranted.
I can’t speak for everyone, but all I wanted was a sequel to Factions. This constant pressure to fuel engagement shouldn’t apply to all forms of multiplayer. Not every multiplayer game has to take over your life. I find it ironic Bungie were utilised as advisors, given their own predicament. The sad reality being it has cost people their jobs, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.
My genuine fear is multiplayer is dying out, due to this obsession with trying to be the next Fortnite. Will the next Gears Of War be riddled with microtransactions and be lambasted if it doesn’t have a constant flow of new content? This thirst for newness is ruining multiplayer. That isn’t a knock against live service titles, but gamers only have so much time to devote to gaming. It is going to be extremely difficult to dethrone the most popular titles.
Whilst I understand some gamers are accepting of Naughty Dog’s explanation, I’m dubious about their honesty. I have to imagine these same people would be first in line to purchase Factions 2. My message to developers is simple: build a good multiplayer game and see what happens. Be clear with your target audience what the game is and offer realistic expectations of what the future holds.
I can only hope Naughty Dog revisit what they’ve created and see fit to release it as a multiplayer game of old.
By reader Anon