Why Do Many Modern Games Lack Split-Screen Features?

The golden era of split-screen gaming seems to have passed, leaving many modern titles without this nostalgic feature. While some iconic games still maintain split-screen, the trend towards online multiplayer has overshadowed this traditional gameplay mode. This article explores the reasons behind the decline of split-screen in modern games and why it is becoming less common.

History of Split-Screen Gaming

Split-screen gaming was a cornerstone of cooperative play in the past, particularly in franchises that relied heavily on team-based gameplay. Games like Halo 5 were part of a trend that saw many titles drop split-screen as an option. However, the issue with Halo 5 was addressed in its follow-up, which reintroduced the feature. Similarly, the Dynasty Warriors series faced a significant setback when its split-screen co-op was removed, leading to a decline in the game's popularity. Interestingly, a mode was eventually added to restore this much-loved feature.

Not all games have succumbed to this trend. Continuations of the Gears series and Borderlands 3 still feature split-screen, while even the Call of Duty franchise, with its Black Ops 4, allows players to engage in split-screen multiplayer for its battle royale mode. However, recent entries in the Splatoon series have eliminated split-screen, a change attributed to the lack of interest in this mode.

The Shift to Online Multiplayer

The decline of split-screen can largely be attributed to the rise of online multiplayer. Developers and publishers now see online multiplayer as a more profitable business model. By encouraging players to purchase individual copies of the game, online multiplayer can lead to increased revenue for the company. For players, online multiplayer offers a potentially larger player pool and a more dynamic gaming experience.

Moreover, the split-screen mode requires the hardware to process twice the load, which is a significant challenge for modern games. High-end hardware demands are a reality, and doubling the load on the machine for split-screen gameplay is simply not feasible. This has led to a shift in the development philosophy, where split-screen is now viewed as an extra feature rather than a core component of the game.

Reasons Why Hardware Must Process Additional Loads

The issue with split-screen is rooted in the hardware requirements of modern game titles. Each player in a split-screen setup demands its own separate rendering, which means the hardware has to keep track of and process more data simultaneously. This is a significant challenge for high-end titles that are optimized for modern hardware.

While the split-screen mode enhances the social aspect of gaming, it adds an unnecessary load to the hardware. Developers are now more likely to focus on ensuring seamless online multiplayer experiences, which are more cost-effective and attractive to investors. This shift also aligns with the broader trend of cloud gaming, where online connectivity plays a crucial role.

Conclusion

The decline of split-screen in modern games reflects a broader shift in the gaming industry, driven by commercial and technological factors. Online multiplayer has become the default choice for many developers, while split-screen is increasingly seen as a niche feature. However, for players who enjoy the collaborative and social aspects of split-screen, the loss of this feature continues to be a point of contention. The future of split-screen remains uncertain, but its legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence modern gaming in subtle yet significant ways.