The online multiplayer video game boom has been great, but it has had one very small yet annoyingly impactful change: the loss of ‘offline’ multiplayer.

Since the early 80, through to the middle 00s, most video games have had a mode that allows more than two people to play the same game, normally via a method known as ‘split-screen’ gaming.

Sadly, split-screen local co-operative play has slowly been removed from games over the years to be replaced with full-screen online play. Effectively meaning that gamers can no longer play together in the same room using only a single copy of the game, on one television set and games console.

The progressive change from co-operative split-screen  multiplayer to online multiplayer gaming has been illustrated perfectly by the latest webcomic from Narcolepsy Incorporated below.

Do you miss split-screen gaming with your friends or is online gaming better than sliced bread? Let us know in the comments.

Vamers - Artistry - Humour - Multiplayer Gaming Then VS Now - Comic by Narcolepsyinc[Source: Narcolepsy Incorporated]

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Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.