Ever since video games took on more of an online presence on consoles, multiplayer modes have evolved from a secondary feature on a title to one of the most prominent forms in gaming. Thanks to the popularity of games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone, multiplayer features now overshadow the single-player experience, but this shift in focus has had a negative effect on the single-player experience.
While most gamers love to play the next great game with their friends, there is still a percentage of players who enjoy the features and adventures that single-player experiences offer. Games will always be tailored to solo players as equally as they are to online, but the issue lies in the lack of attention a title gets once the story is complete to maintain its relevancy. While this doesn't necessarily mean that single-player games don't get enough attention in development, they certainly don't get an equal amount of attention post-launch.
RPGs like Assassin's Creed Valhalla offer a great template for how the single-player experience could be tailored in the future. The game doesn't feature an online multiplayer, but it makes up for that with seasonal events and add-ons that further Eivor's narrative as work is done on future updates and installments. However, for games that feature a single-player and multiplayer mode, there is almost always a sacrifice, and it typically lands on the solo-player model.
Ghost of Tsushima features an impressive story about duty and loss and concludes with a door open for a follow-up. Months later, an online component was added to the game that has since received various updates, including new game modes and performance tuning. While this is great for Ghost of Tsushima Legends, there is a window open for more side stories about Jin Sakai that would keep fans of his story entertained and feel noticed.
When Call of Duty: Warzone was released, it was also included with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. While the online and story mode were exceptional in their execution, the campaign was quickly left behind as players signed in to the online experience. However, for players with no interest in multiplayer, there's nothing to keep them returning to the game. But for a series that revolves around covert military operations, there's no reason why there can't be periodic updates with new missions for solo players to enjoy.
As multiplayer continues to reformat how video games are enjoyed, there will always be a place for single-player modes that feature amazing gameplay, environments and stories. However, once the stories are done, it's equally as important to continue it in any way that helps keep those gamers enjoying their time playing. Whether through cosmetic updates or new story add-ons and challenges, single-player experiences deserve the same attention that multiplayer games get.