Multiplayer games are one of the most popular video games among the gaming community, as it opens up the gate for the players to socialize, and interact with one another.

Previously, single player games were highly preferred by players. But nowadays, the significance of multiplayer mode is increasing and it is expected that this will be as equally preferred by players as single player mode in the future.

The player population that prefers multiplayer mode the most is the younger generation who strive to build social interaction and engage with other people via video games.

Besides, game developers also prefer to make multiplayer games, as these games help to hold the players for a longer time with the game. Players who play multiplayer games also tend to spend more money on the game.

Hence, it becomes highly essential for a game development company to design multiplayer games to make it easier for players to interact with one another and have an engaging experience. In order to do so, one should understand the psychology of the players.

If you are someone interested in game development or looking to hire game designers for your game,  you might find this blog helpful.

Let us dive into it.

Psychology Behind Multiplayer Games

In multiplayer games, you can connect with many players and build social relationships by teaming up together or competing against one another.

In single-player games, you can complete missions, and quests, and gain rewards. It is fun. But there is more to it in multiplayer games. You have an audience who can witness your wins and losses — which makes the game more exciting than playing alone.

The basic psychology behind this is glory and shame. This can be explained much better with the use of an example. Let us say, you are playing PUBG or a similar game with your friends. You will have an exhilarating feeling when you secure a win. At the same time, losing will leave you at the opposite.

Balancing Glory and Shame

In a way, this glory and shame are a very compelling aspect in a multiplayer game.

When designing a multiplayer game, a game designer should be able to strike a sharp balance between these two. Failing to do so might make players leave the game very soon.

Compared to single player games, multiplayer games are growing at a rather slow pace and there is a strong reason for that — which is losing the game and the shame that comes along with it.

In order for the player to stick with the game for a long time, they should enjoy playing it. For that to happen, game developers should skillfully design it in a way the success and the loss balances one another.

Build Games For Everyone to Enjoy

Not everyone is a hardcore gamer, some come to explore whereas others come to socialize. The games should be built with every type of player in mind.

Unless the player is an experienced gamer, a first time player will not be aware of the rules, tricks, and tactics in the game. It might take them some time to learn it. But it is usually not the case. The beginner player feels humiliated that they are not good at the game when they cannot keep up with the experienced players. Some even feel playing multiplayer games is much more stressful, especially at the beginning.

A game should be easy to understand and difficult to master. If players are not enjoying their game, there is not much you can do to make them stick with the game for a long time.

Offer Better Player Communication

Last but not least, the most important factor for the growth of multiplayer games in the recent present is due to its socialization feature — which enables you to chat with your friends or other players while playing. You can see many becoming friends and forming a special bond with one another via video games.

Hence, a multiplayer game should have proper socialization features where people can communicate with one another without any interruptions.

Besides that, incorporating better UI/UX elements will help enhance the user experience of the players. Hence, improving the player retention rate.

Things to Consider When Designing a Multiplayer Game

Apart from the above mentioned factors, we have given some points that will help a game developer to design an engaging multiplayer game. Those include

• The game should be easy to understand and difficult to master.
• Give more content for players to explore.
• Include different player modes
• Offer downloadable content
• Update content after game release and constantly check for any bugs and errors.
• Cross-platform integration between multiple gaming platforms.

Conclusion

Multiplayer games are becoming more popular these days. It is very important that game developers design the games to be socially engaging and intuitive at the same time. It’s best to hire game developers who turn your game ideas into reality. We have mentioned some of the factors that can help to build a socially engaging multiplayer game. Apart from that, building a successful game depends on various other factors like the game concept, proper planning, and execution.