Co-op Games: The Hard Truth (The end of Split Screen?)

Xbox Live is flourishing, but must we lose split-screen gaming as a result?

While it seems like eons ago, the first Halo really set the stage for cooperative style gaming on Xbox. The offline first-person shooter, created by the Mac and PC developer Bungie, brought over the communal aspect of computer gaming, free-flowing multiplayer frag-fests to be specific, that started so long ago with games like id Software's original LAN-supported Doom. But who knew then that Bungie would execute such an excellent two-player offline cooperative game -- and in the process create one of the biggest franchises ever?

Needless to say, the big console hub-bub that started seven years ago is now flourishing on Xbox Live. In 2007, the state of Xbox Live is thriving with millions of Xbox subscribers. But much to the chagrin of hardcore Xbox fans, the state of offline co-op games isn't. And one has to wonder if the two aren't related...

[PS360WII]

I really hope they won't retire the split screen co-op. Granted Gears online co-op is awesome I do love the full screen but I also do enjoy having people over and playing some games. Split screen is still a big part in this industry

[The BS Police]

I actually enjoy co-op offline rather than online.

I remember the day Halo 2 launched in November, 2004,I invited one of my best firnds over and we had a blast playing Halo 2 on co-op for the first time.

Heres hoping Offline Co-Op doesn't go away!

[techie]

I've only got dial-up...so what am I to do when my friends come round!? In fact even if I could go online, what would I do when my friends come round!? Just let them watch me!!!?? That's sh'te

[Black Republican]

split screen should not be removed, some ppl do not have an online account
this will mean they cannot play multiplayer with friends at home
BAD IDEA

[The Snake]

I personally hate playing in split screen but it should definitely still be an option for those of us unfortunate enough to not have Xbox Live.

[calderra]

As said- the option should be there. Even as tremandous as Xbox Live is, the option for offline co-op needs to be there.

There are few things more fun than hauling a bunch of Xboxes to a friend's house to have a roomfull of LAN action.

[gogators]

But it still seems that split-screen or even 4 player support is dying. I would still like to host game nights, but soo few games allow for a Lan set-up beyond 4 people. Still remember playing Halo 2 with 16 people at a time all scattered through out the house. I assume that companies don't want to spend the time or resources to incorporate such features any more.

[LegendaryMark]

A thought provoking article. I remember the whole reason I got so into Halo was going round to my friend's house and playing the co-op campaign and thinking "Wow, I must own this game... it's on Xbox? Suppose I'd better get one of them too then!". You'd think with hi-def and TVs getting ever larger, split screen would work better than in the past. And surely if you can do co-op over Xbox Live, it wouldn't be that hard to incorporate split screen offline too?

Ah well, I'll just add my voice to what seems to be the majority here and say that I love split screen and don't want to see it go.

[Bullseye]

You make a good point in support of split screen coop.Now larger screens are becoming more common place it makes even more sense than ever to include split screen options.Although online coop is great,especially four player coop? Lets hope the devs listen and keep split screen alive.It would be great to be able to have two player split screen taking part in say, four player online mode.

[FadeToBlack]

I personally hate playing games split screen. As long as i have the option to play coop over live with the ability to talk over the mic, its just like your sitting right next to each other with full screens. Considering some people dont have live the split screen option should still be there. As far as to why some people prefer the split screen over live is beyond me.