News
Offline versus Online
August 17,in the year of our Lord 2013 - -
Family Friendly Gaming, the industry leader in covering the
family friendly video games is overseeing the pros and cons of
playing games online versus playing them offline. Back in the
day there was no debate. You purchased a game, plugged it in,
and played it. What you purchased is what you got. There was no
DLC (downloadable content), no updates to your game, and no
playing with others across the globe. Technology has brought
people closer together. You can be all alone in your living
room, and play with multiple other people doing the same thing
all over the world. But with any change, there are new problems.
I personally prefer to play games offline that have no
connection to online servers whatsoever. I can play at my
leisure, no one pulls the game, and all my progress is saved. I
do not need to worry about servers crashing. If I want to play
with someone else, we are physically together in the same room.
There is no trash talking because there are actual real world
consequences for making someone angry. There is no hiding behind
the Internet, and being anonymous. You know them, and they know
you. Companies can not brick your machine because you use an
enhancement device. As long as there is power and the device is
working – the game plays fine.
Playing online has its benefits too. You can play with others
who have a myriad of skills. I can learn neat tips and tricks
from other players online that I would never get offline. Other
players can help me through a sticky quest. Yes there are rude
players online. Yes there are selfish players online. There are
also kind and considerate players online. Plus romance has
blossomed for some gamers thanks to playing together online. The
more parts we add to anything the more possibility there is for
something to crash. Adding routers, servers, accounts, and
connections to the mix opens the door for more errors. At the
end of the day when you play online you feel like you are part
of a community.
So which is it for you? The industry is going more online so the
choice is being taken out of your hand. Upcoming home console
devices as well as hand helds are ingrained with online
features, modes, downloads, and updates. If you prefer offline,
then retro gaming is about the only choice left. Which is a real
shame since some of us prefer to play offline.
- Paul Bury
- Family Friendly Gaming