Playing video games by yourself is so 2007

I have a friend that sits at home on his days off and plays Call of Duty 4, NHL 09, Call of duty world of warfare, Halo 3, and Fabel II. What do these games all have in common? You do not need to play by yourself! Apparently 2008 was the year to play games online or side by side in a co-op mode. I asked my friend what he liked most about co-op mode and his exact words were "because I can say what I want to whoever I want with no consequences and I never have to play alone again." It allows him to escape from reality as a pro hockey player and although it involves others, he does not need to treat them as real people. Let me explain. He can play a game with a complete stranger and take his frustrations out on them without ever having to worry about seeing them face to face. As well, having someone else to play with escalates that sense of competition to a whole new level.


Yet in some cases you need to play with someone else because it's simply the game. One example is "Left 4 Dead" for Xbox 360 where you can have up to 4 gamers. In my friend's opinion NHL '09 for Xbox 360, PS2/3 and PC is the best game to play with others. You can have multiple game modes and create online leagues.

Maybe I am the typical girl but so what. My favourite co-op mode games are ROCK BAND. I love playing with anyone, it does not matter who. You can't have a band without others so it is the nature of the game. It serves several purposes; good family game, its very entertaining and commitment and skill are not vital. It's a great game for people of all ages and for someone like me that rarely plays games, it is perfect!

So video games started off with single players-one control and have now evolved to multiple players in different cities/countries/etc. all interacting in one game in real time. Who knows what the future holds!