All articles tagged with #local multiplayer
Dragon Quest IX was made a Nintendo DS exclusive to enable quick, easy local-network play and four-player multiplayer; creator Yuji Horii says the move surprised fans and left the team a bit disheartened by the backlash, and while he was convinced by Akihiro Hino, the game remains DS-only for now with potential future releases on modern platforms.
Halo’s PS5 port sparked backlash by reportedly requiring two PlayStation Plus subscriptions for local split-screen co-op. After backlash, the developer updated FAQs to say offline local co-op only needs a PSN account for each player, not PS Plus; online co-op still requires PS Plus. The episode highlights ongoing confusion over cross-platform account requirements in console ports and has fueled debate about subscription gatekeeping.
Kirby Air Riders on Switch 2 has been updated to version 1.3.0, adding GameShare and a new Grand Prix mode, along with Sub-In Series and local 2-player play from a single system, plus numerous balance tweaks for riders and machines and a long list of bug fixes; replays from v1.2.0 are not compatible and users can convert replays to video with a microSD Express card.
Kirby Air Riders for Nintendo Switch 2 has confirmed support for splitscreen multiplayer, including two-player options with vertical or horizontal split, as well as local wireless play for up to eight players and online multiplayer for up to sixteen players, with GameChat support. The game is set to launch on November 20, 2025.
The article reflects on the nostalgic and ongoing importance of local multiplayer gaming, especially through Nintendo's new Switch 2, highlighting how shared gaming moments foster bonds and create lasting memories, even as adult responsibilities and changing social dynamics make such moments rarer.
Maddy Thorson, the creator of the cult hit local multiplayer game TowerFall, reflects on the game's development, legacy, and impact. Originally intended as a single-player experience, the game's pivot to multiplayer was a hit, bringing communities together through its simple yet intense gameplay. Despite the game's success, Thorson feels that she and her team are now too old and scattered to create a sequel, as they struggle with the demands of game development and their personal lives.
Sabotage Studio announces a three-player local cooperative mode called "Single-Player+" for Sea of Stars, featuring a "co-op timed hits" mechanic for traversal and combat, with no release date specified. The game has been played by over five million people since its launch on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Helldivers 2, the upcoming PS5 and PC exclusive, does not currently support couch co-op, as indicated by the game's Steam page and PlayStation store listing. The absence of local co-op support suggests that the game is designed primarily for online co-op play, accommodating up to four players. While the intense particle effects and expansive maps may pose challenges for couch co-op on the PS5, there is potential for this feature to be added in the future.
Nintendo has filed a patent for a device that resembles a 3DS but can be separated into two halves that communicate wirelessly. The device also features an outer touchscreen. While it is unclear what Nintendo's plans are for this device, it has sparked speculation about a potential Switch successor or an experimental concept.
Nintendo has revealed that Super Mario Bros. Wonder initially included player collision in local multiplayer but decided to remove it during development. The removal of collision reduces stress and prevents players from getting in each other's way on narrow platforms. However, players can still interact by saving defeated friends and riding Yoshi. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be released for the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2023.
The popularity of couch co-op gaming, where players can play together in the same room, has been on the rise in recent years, fueled by the pandemic and a desire for in-person human connection. Games like "Baldur's Gate 3" and "Diablo 4" have introduced local multiplayer options, allowing players to team up and experience the game together on a split screen. While couch co-op can be more challenging and expensive to develop, it offers a unique gaming experience that promotes cooperation, communication, and shared enjoyment. Despite the focus on online multiplayer in recent years, many players have rediscovered the joy of playing games with friends and family in the same room.
Quake 2 Remastered offers an 8-player split-screen mode exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC, garnering attention on social media for its chaotic gameplay. The feature requires a large display to fully appreciate. The game also supports 4-player local multiplayer on all platforms and features crossplay for 16-player online matches.
Vampire Survivors, the action-packed game featuring skeletons, ghosts, and vampires, is getting a free update on August 17th that includes a local multiplayer mode for up to four players. The co-op mode will allow players to play through the entire game and its DLC together, with shared experience bars and turns to level up. The update will be available on PC, Mac, mobile, consoles, and Steam Deck, with no co-op-specific levels or locked characters.
Nintendo has announced the launch of Everybody 1-2-Switch!, a local multiplayer party game for Switch, on June 30. Players can use Joy-Con controllers or smart devices for team-based games featuring balloons, aliens, and more. The game offers a mix of games and modes with several variations to keep players on their toes.