Internet connectivity is often taken for granted. However, in some parts of the world, particularly in countries with authoritarian regimes, internet ...
shutdowns are a common means of controlling the flow of information and maintaining power. These shutdowns can significantly impact not only citizens' access to information but also the way developers create games that require a constant internet connection (so-called "always-online" games). This blog post explores the potential consequences of internet shutdowns for always-online games and discusses why such games might become obsolete in scenarios with intermittent or full online access.1. The Problem: Constant Internet Dependency
2. Impact on Game Development
3. Risks Faced During Internet Shutdowns
4. The End of Always-Online Games?
5. Conclusion
1.) The Problem: Constant Internet Dependency
Always-online games are designed with the assumption that players will have continuous access to the internet. This dependency can lead to several issues when faced with an internet shutdown:
1. Gameplay Interruption: Players may be abruptly disconnected from the game, disrupting their progress and potentially leading to frustration or loss of interest in continuing the session later.
2. Economic Losses: For players engaged in gameplay economies (like virtual goods trading), a sudden interruption can lead to significant economic losses, affecting both casual gamers and those with substantial investments in-game currencies.
3. Technical Issues: Servers might not be able to handle disconnections gracefully, leading to crashes or freezes that further disrupt the player experience.
4. Lack of Updates: With no internet connection, players cannot access updates, patches, or new content, potentially making the game less enjoyable and outdated quickly compared to other platforms where updates are available offline.
2.) Impact on Game Development
Developers of always-online games must consider these potential issues while designing their games:
1. Graceful Disconnection: Games should have mechanisms in place for graceful disconnections, such as saving player progress and providing compensation or rewards to users who experience an interruption due to connectivity loss.
2. Offline Mode: Providing an offline mode where players can continue playing using local data is crucial. This ensures that even when internet access is unavailable, the game remains playable.
3. Content Availability: Ensure that updates are available through other means like over-the-air updates or by including future content directly in the game to maintain player interest and engagement.
4. Cross-Platform Play: Supporting multiple platforms where players can continue their progress regardless of local internet availability, such as mobile gaming with cloud save features across different devices.
3.) Risks Faced During Internet Shutdowns
When an internet shutdown occurs:
1. Game Servers Down: If the game operates through servers that rely on a persistent internet connection, these could go offline, leading to widespread disconnections and potential loss of interest in the game by users.
2. Regional Restrictions: Some games might be region-locked or unavailable during an internet shutdown. This limits player access based on their location, potentially alienating players from regions where such restrictions are imposed.
3. Economic Systems Halt: In-game economies and transactions that rely on a continuous internet connection will come to a halt if the shutdown lasts long enough. This could lead to significant economic disruptions within the game.
4.) The End of Always-Online Games?
The reliance on always-online games might become obsolete in scenarios where internet access is unreliable or restricted:
1. Offline Gaming Gains Popularity: As users face frequent disconnections and shutdowns, they may seek alternatives that do not require constant online connectivity, thereby increasing the popularity of offline gaming platforms.
2. Game Design Adaptation: Developers will need to adapt their game designs to be more resilient against internet outages, focusing on creating engaging local content and offering seamless transition between online and offline modes.
3. Hybrid Models: A hybrid model that combines both always-online features and robust offline capabilities might become the norm, allowing players to choose a mode of play based on their connectivity situation.
5.) Conclusion
While always-online games have revolutionized gaming by offering persistent worlds and continuous updates, internet shutdowns pose significant risks to this model. As we've discussed, these shutdowns can lead to gameplay interruptions, economic losses, and technical issues. However, they also highlight the importance of designing more resilient game experiences that can adapt to varying connectivity scenarios. The future may see a shift towards hybrid gaming models where players have options based on their internet availability, ensuring continued engagement with games regardless of temporary disruptions in online access.
The Autor: BetaBlues / Aarav 2025-05-26
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