In a gaming landscape increasingly dominated by live-service titles and multiplayer juggernauts, the voices of prominent industry leaders are pushing back with a bold defense of single-player experiences. Recently, Sven Vincke, the outspoken head of Larian Studios—celebrated for Baldur’s Gate 3—shared his unfiltered take on the matter.
Far from declaring single-player games a relic of the past, Vincke asserted that their survival hinges on quality, not obsolescence. “They’re not dead,” he said plainly. “They just have to be good to succeed.” His words resonate as a rallying cry for developers committed to crafting immersive, solitary adventures in an era of shifting priorities.
Echoing this sentiment is CD Projekt, the Polish powerhouse behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. The company’s leadership sees single-player games not merely as viable but as a cornerstone of enduring popularity among gamers, regardless of evolving market trends. This perspective was laid out in CD Projekt’s latest annual report, reflecting on its 2024 performance and outlining its vision for the future. Within the document, Michal Nowakowski, a key member of the company’s board, penned a statement that underscores this conviction:
“We acknowledge the constant evolution of the video game market, with new genres and models emerging all the time. Yet, we remain steadfast in our belief that cutting-edge single-player games—built on robust franchises and driven by gripping, well-crafted narratives—will always command a passionate audience. Our track record speaks for itself. Iconic brands like The Witcher and Cyberpunk, which we are committed to nurturing and expanding, anchor our strong market presence. These franchises, paired with strategic partnerships with global leaders in technology and innovation, empower us to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. This synergy ensures we can continue delivering entertainment that meets the highest standards of quality—experiences that resonate deeply with players worldwide.”
This stance is hardly surprising given CD Projekt’s legacy. The studio has long been synonymous with sprawling, story-rich single-player RPGs, earning both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. While the company has dabbled in multiplayer ventures—most notably with the ill-fated Cyberpunk 2077 online component—those experiments have largely fallen flat, reinforcing its focus on what it does best. Unlike some competitors pivoting to chase the lucrative live-service trend, CD Projekt shows no signs of abandoning its roots. Don’t expect a sudden shift to pouring resources into sprawling multiplayer ecosystems or games-as-a-service models anytime soon. Instead, the studio seems poised to double down on its strengths, betting that compelling narratives and polished gameplay will keep single-player titles relevant.
This shared philosophy between Larian Studios and CD Projekt highlights a broader tension in the industry. As 2025 progresses, with Western studios grappling with layoffs and closures, the success of these single-player advocates suggests there’s still a thriving market for games that prioritize depth over connectivity. For Vincke and Nowakowski, the formula is simple | make something exceptional, and players will follow—no servers required.
