Why Is Splitscreen Gone?
Splitscreen gaming, once a staple of console experiences, has seemingly faded into near-oblivion. The simple answer to why splitscreen is gone is a combination of factors revolving around increased graphical demands, the rise of online multiplayer, development costs, and changing player preferences. While technically feasible, many developers now deem it a less profitable and efficient allocation of resources compared to focusing solely on online multiplayer or single-player experiences. This isn’t to say splitscreen is extinct, but its prevalence has undeniably diminished.
The Perfect Storm: Factors Leading to Splitscreen’s Decline
Several interconnected trends have contributed to the decline of splitscreen gaming. It’s not one single reason, but rather a confluence of technological advancements, economic considerations, and evolving design philosophies.
1. Graphical Demands and Performance Constraints
Modern games are visually stunning, pushing the limits of current hardware. Rendering the same scene twice (or even four times, in the case of four-player splitscreen) puts a significant strain on the console’s processing power. This can lead to decreased frame rates, reduced graphical fidelity, and overall a less enjoyable experience. Developers face a choice: compromise the visual quality for all players, or drop splitscreen altogether. Often, they choose the latter, prioritizing a smoother and more visually impressive experience for the majority of players.
2. The Ubiquitous Rise of Online Multiplayer
The explosion of online multiplayer has provided an alternative to playing together on the same screen. Services like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and Nintendo Switch Online make it easy for players to connect and play with friends (and strangers) from anywhere in the world. This readily available alternative reduces the perceived need for splitscreen, especially when considering the performance limitations it introduces. Developers often prioritize online infrastructure and features, viewing them as a more compelling and scalable investment.
3. Development Costs and Resource Allocation
Developing and optimizing a game is an expensive endeavor. Implementing splitscreen requires additional programming and testing to ensure stability and performance. Developers have to carefully consider whether the added development time and resources are justified by the potential increase in sales. Often, the analysis suggests that those resources are better spent on other features, such as improving the single-player campaign, adding more online content, or enhancing the overall visual appeal of the game.
4. Changing Player Preferences and Market Trends
While many gamers fondly remember playing splitscreen with friends, player preferences have evolved. Many players now prefer playing online, enjoying the wider variety of opponents and the ability to connect with friends regardless of their physical location. Market research might indicate that focusing on online multiplayer and single-player experiences yields a better return on investment than developing and supporting splitscreen functionality.
5. Screen Size and Resolution Limitations
While TVs are generally larger than they were a decade ago, dividing a screen into two or four sections, especially on smaller screens, can result in a cramped and difficult-to-see playing experience. The advent of higher resolutions (4K and beyond) mitigates this somewhat, but developers still need to design games that are readable and enjoyable even in splitscreen mode, adding another layer of complexity.
6. Difficulty in Maintaining Immersion
Splitscreen inherently breaks the immersion. Players can see what their opponents are doing, which can detract from the competitive experience. In single-player games with cooperative modes, splitscreen can sometimes feel like a tacked-on feature that doesn’t fully integrate with the core gameplay.
A Glimmer of Hope: Games That Still Embrace Splitscreen
Despite its decline, splitscreen is not entirely dead. Some developers still recognize the value of local multiplayer and continue to incorporate it into their games. These titles often fall into specific genres:
- Party Games: Games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Overcooked! thrive on the chaotic fun of local multiplayer and continue to support splitscreen.
- Indie Games: Many independent developers are embracing splitscreen as a way to differentiate their games and appeal to a niche audience.
- Cooperative Shooters: While less common, some cooperative shooters still offer splitscreen, allowing players to team up and tackle challenges together on the same screen. Halo Infinite originally promised splitscreen but later cancelled it, showing the internal conflict developers have.
- Retro-Inspired Games: Games that intentionally emulate the look and feel of classic consoles often include splitscreen as a nostalgic nod to the past.
The Future of Local Multiplayer
While splitscreen in its traditional form may be less prevalent, the desire for local multiplayer remains strong. Some developers are exploring alternative solutions, such as:
- Shared Screen Cooperative: Games like It Takes Two offer a cooperative experience where players share the same screen but are not restricted to a traditional splitscreen view.
- LAN Parties: A revival of local area network parties, where players connect multiple devices over a local network, could provide a way to enjoy local multiplayer without the performance limitations of splitscreen.
- Cloud Gaming Improvements: As cloud gaming technology improves, it may become possible to stream multiple instances of a game to different screens from a single powerful server, effectively enabling splitscreen without straining local hardware.
While the future of local multiplayer is uncertain, it is clear that there is still a demand for games that can be enjoyed with friends and family in the same room. Whether that demand will be met with a resurgence of splitscreen or with innovative new approaches remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is splitscreen completely gone from all games?
No, splitscreen is not completely gone, but it is far less common than it used to be. You can still find it in certain genres and games, particularly party games, indie games, and some cooperative shooters.
2. Why don’t more AAA games have splitscreen?
The primary reasons are graphical limitations, the focus on online multiplayer, and development costs. AAA developers often prioritize visual fidelity and online features over local multiplayer.
3. Does splitscreen affect game performance?
Yes, splitscreen can significantly affect game performance. Rendering the same scene multiple times puts a strain on the console or PC, potentially leading to lower frame rates and reduced graphical detail.
4. Is it more difficult to develop splitscreen games?
Yes, developing splitscreen games requires additional effort. Developers need to optimize the game to run smoothly with multiple viewpoints and ensure that the user interface is readable on a divided screen.
5. Are there any advantages to playing splitscreen?
Absolutely! Splitscreen offers a unique social experience, allowing players to share the excitement and camaraderie of playing together in the same room. It also eliminates the need for internet connections and online subscriptions.
6. Do higher resolution TVs make splitscreen more viable?
Yes, higher resolution TVs (4K and beyond) can help improve the splitscreen experience. The increased pixel density makes it easier to see details on a divided screen, especially on larger TVs.
7. Is splitscreen more common on certain consoles?
There isn’t a single console known for significantly more splitscreen support. Splitscreen support largely depends on individual game titles and their development choices rather than the console itself.
8. Are there any games that fake splitscreen?
Some games employ “dynamic splitscreen,” where the screen splits only when players are far apart, and merges when they are close together. This technique can help maintain immersion and reduce screen clutter.
9. Will splitscreen ever make a comeback?
It’s difficult to say definitively. A true comeback depends on technological advancements, changing player preferences, and developers recognizing the value of local multiplayer experiences. The rise of cloud gaming could also potentially revive splitscreen in new ways.
10. Why did Halo Infinite cancel splitscreen?
Halo Infinite‘s cancellation of splitscreen stemmed from a desire to prioritize other features and improvements to the game. 343 Industries cited technical challenges and the need to reallocate resources as the primary reasons for the decision.
11. Are indie games more likely to have splitscreen?
Generally, yes, indie games are often more likely to include splitscreen. Indie developers often have more creative freedom and may be willing to cater to niche audiences that appreciate local multiplayer.
12. Is cloud gaming a potential solution for splitscreen?
Potentially, cloud gaming could offer a way to implement splitscreen without straining local hardware. By streaming multiple instances of a game from a powerful server, players could enjoy local multiplayer without sacrificing performance.
13. What are some modern games with good splitscreen multiplayer?
Examples include Minecraft, Overcooked! 2, Rocket League, and certain racing games like some Mario Kart entries. These games typically prioritize fun, accessible gameplay that works well in a local multiplayer setting.
14. Are there any websites or resources that list splitscreen games?
Yes, there are several websites and online communities dedicated to listing splitscreen games. Searching for “splitscreen games list” on Google or Reddit will yield several useful resources.
15. What can I do to encourage developers to include splitscreen?
Support games that offer splitscreen, provide feedback to developers expressing your desire for local multiplayer, and participate in online discussions advocating for its return. Positive reinforcement and demonstrating demand can influence future development decisions.