No split-screen?!? : Othor Games

» Fri May 27, 2011 7:39 am

reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaly needs split screen, do developers not recognize the joy of couch co-opining, why do they to think online co-op replaces it, if i have a buddy a wife who loves gaming. i should be able to share in that experience with them live. not buy them a system send them next door, put on our headphones and chat, or end up with some 10 year old curse machine over them, jeeez when did gaming become so damn impersonal! if this game comes out without local co-op i dont think I could play through it because id be to distracted by the missed opportunity of sharing this with my significant other starring me right in the damn face!!!!!!!!

» Fri May 27, 2011 3:06 am

I dont buy this technical limitation stuff of the console hardware cant handle split screen if gears can have it so can this!

» Fri May 27, 2011 12:13 am

I dont buy this technical limitation stuff of the console hardware cant handle split screen if gears can have it so can this!

The technical limitation is speculation on my part, I don't believe either InXile or Bethesda has explained why this was not included.

And just because one game can handle something doesn't mean they all can. Similarly just because a console can manage to run something for one player doesn't mean it can run it for two simultaneously.

» Thu May 26, 2011 7:38 pm

my point is its technically possible and for a game that lends itself so much for co-op, not having couch co-op is just too much of a missed opportunity. its even running on the same engine as gears and is coming out many years later

» Fri May 27, 2011 12:07 am

My boyfriend and I were very excited about this game, because we thought it would be something we could play together. When I saw the pre-order bonus content today, I almost did go ahead and pre-order a copy, but as I read more about the game, I realized that there seems to be NO local co-op in the game. This came as a shock. Why would a game focused on co-op play exclude same-sofa co-op?

The lack of local co-op means that we cannot play together, unless we bought another Xbox 360 and another TV and played in separate rooms, which sort of defeats the purpose. At any rate, the game seems perfect for couples to play together. I can be the pretty elf, plinking arrows and casting spells, and he can be the manly man, charging into the fray and smashing things. That sounds like a good time!

I do not want to play online with strangers. And if I were feeling masochistic enough to attempt to play a dungeon-crawling fantasy game with people I have never met, I would reactivate my World of Warcraft account.

My boyfriend and I have been having so much fun playing Borderlands together, and we are looking for our next fun co-op game. It looks like that will be Fable III, not Hunted, which is a shame because we were both really excited about this game. I am still holding out hope that local co-op play might be added to Hunted: the Demon's Forge, but the bottom line is this:

If the final version of Hunted: the Demon's Forge does NOT include local co-op, I might rent it and play the single-player mode, although for that type of play Dragon Age II would probably be far more fun. But if the final version of Hunted DOES include local co-op, I would pre-order it in a heartbeat (that assassin character skin is awesome), and I have no doubt that my boyfriend and I would spend many happy hours with the game.

~Erica

That svcks. my boyfriend and I wanted to do the same. Oh well.

» Fri May 27, 2011 4:04 am

I would really like it if split screen is implemented, it's my favorite form of multiplayer.

» Thu May 26, 2011 10:48 pm

The reason is probably very simple: money. Making every person who wants to play a game co-op purchase a copy of the game (and pay the online fees & possibly even buy a new console) will get you (and your pals at xbox) more money than 2 or more people all playing the same game on the same console.

» Fri May 27, 2011 1:21 am

I have a pretty good argument for SS, I posted this all in the brink forums. I am 350% for SS - http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1113092-splitscreen/

If your equally passionate about having splitscreen in games please read that and give feedback, even if you dont want splitscreen, check out the posts I wrote in there and let me hear what you think about it.

It's quite possible that spit-screen isn't included because a console can't handle running the game like that. If that's true than dual-monitor would be nixed as well.

I really wish we were given a reason =\. assuming leads to bad bad things, but we all do it.

The reason is probably very simple: money. Making every person who wants to play a game co-op purchase a copy of the game (and pay the online fees & possibly even buy a new console) will get you (and your pals at xbox) more money than 2 or more people all playing the same game on the same console.

Thats exactly my thoguhts, as would apply to alot more suburbs, middle or upper class people. There are plenty of people who crowd at someones place to play a game, not everyone can afford 60$ friggin bucks. Games are becoming more about going online rather than with the people right next to you. It's like devs are encouraging not being with other people, which totally makes video games even less social. (This is mostly based off my own opinion, you can agree or not its up to you.)

this game is co op with no spiltscreen, thats a joke x.x id never buy a van with 1 seat in it. (or even a van in the first place)

reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaly needs split screen, do developers not recognize the joy of couch co-opining, why do they to think online co-op replaces it, if i have a buddy a wife who loves gaming. i should be able to share in that experience with them live. not buy them a system send them next door, put on our headphones and chat, or end up with some 10 year old curse machine over them, jeeez when did gaming become so damn impersonal! if this game comes out without local co-op i dont think I could play through it because id be to distracted by the missed opportunity of sharing this with my significant other starring me right in the damn face!!!!!!!!

I completely agree, Logically, no spiltscreen defeats the purpose of video games.

BUT to say something about the game, It looks awesome. Ill probably get it for PC. pc games get updated. (anyone ever play tf2 for console? its still the original tf2. =P)

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:58 am

...I can't imagine why he wouldn't want to visit you.

It's not like I hate on him for it. It's just disappointing.

» Fri May 27, 2011 9:57 am

The technical limitation is speculation on my part, I don't believe either InXile or Bethesda has explained why this was not included.

And just because one game can handle something doesn't mean they all can. Similarly just because a console can manage to run something for one player doesn't mean it can run it for two simultaneously.

Well, if two games are running on the same engine (Unreal 3) then it stands to reason that both would be able to handle splitscreen. It does not stand to reason that one could, and one could not.

» Fri May 27, 2011 3:43 am

Well, if two games are running on the same engine (Unreal 3) then it stands to reason that both would be able to handle splitscreen. It does not stand to reason that one could, and one could not.

It's very reasonable if the later game has been upgraded to the point where the console can no longer run it twice. The Unreal Engine 3 debuted nearly three years ago and Gears of War 2 came out nearly two years ago. It's quite possible that inXile wanted to ramp up the graphics capabilities and this required dropping split screen. It's certainly possible there was some other factor that has prevent split screen from working well.

A quick 'cover my butt' note, this is all speculation on my part and moderators aren't privy to any details that haven't been released to the public.

The reason is probably very simple: money. Making every person who wants to play a game co-op purchase a copy of the game (and pay the online fees & possibly even buy a new console) will get you (and your pals at xbox) more money than 2 or more people all playing the same game on the same console.

That's sound reasoning, on the other hand while a popular feature like split screen may decrease the number of copies that "need" to be purchased it can also attract a lot of people by making the game more popular. I have to imagine there are lots of people who own a copy of Halo 2 even though many of their friends own copies of the same game.

I still think it makes more sense that some technical reason made the game engine too demanding for the XBox 360 and PS3 to reliably handle for split screen. I could very well be entirely wrong and obviously there are plenty of people in this thread who feel differently

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:59 am

It's very reasonable if the later game has been upgraded to the point where the console can no longer run it twice. The Unreal Engine 3 debuted nearly three years ago and Gears of War 2 came out nearly two years ago. It's quite possible that inXile wanted to ramp up the graphics capabilities and this required dropping split screen. It's certainly possible there was some other factor that has prevent split screen from working well.

A quick 'cover my butt' note, this is all speculation on my part and moderators aren't privy to any details that haven't been released to the public.

One can tell from screenshots and gameplay trailers that Hunted: Demon's Forge is certainly not leaps and bounds more complex and a harder version engine to run than Gears' version of Unreal 3. In fact, Unreal 3 being out so long, and Gears coming out so long ago, that would lead to the conclusion that they have optimized the engine for consoles to the point where split-screen would be a very trivial matter (at least, trivial in relation to Gears' split-screen) and that the technical limitations that were in the engine when Gears released that, certainly, hindered that dev teams progress, will have been ironed out by now.

Secondly, when using split screen the engine is not "run twice." What the engine produces is merely rendered twice. Sure, that may cause complications, but nothing a current gen console couldn't handle.

But I do concede that possibly there were some unforseen difficulties that the developers at InXile could not cope with. What I do not concede is that these are impossible to fix, or work around, or get over, given enough time and proper application of effort.

Maybe if a Dev from InXile could respond to this thread, everything would be much more clearly illuminated and set in it's right place. I'd enjoy a good answer as to why split-screen has been discarded.

» Fri May 27, 2011 12:42 am

I'll wait for Lord of the Rings: War in the North, which features local co-op.

» Fri May 27, 2011 6:41 am

PRE-ORDER CANCELED :verymad:

How disappointing. My wife and I were really looking forward to Hunted. With all of the co-op hype, I foolishly assumed we could actually play together. Thanks to checking in here, I can save the money for something else.

It's a shame since we have enjoyed Gears, Borderlands, Halo, Resident Evil etc etc so much. Even the tacked on Fable 3 co-op was OK at least. Maybe we can try Sacred or Lost Planet 2 while waiting for War in the North.

One day, I may try Hunted single player but with true single-player games like Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Skyrim and the like coming it is not too likely...

Man, now I am ticked off. I was excited about Hunted.

» Fri May 27, 2011 3:00 am

Really. For a game whose whole point appears to be multiplayer, why would I want to play with some stranger online when I've got perfectly good friends (and a second controller!) sitting on the couch next to me?

Seems like this game would be better suited as an MMO. I mean, if you're gonna make single player completely unappealing, there should at least be a convenient multiplayer option.

I was considering buying this game, too. Not anymore!

» Fri May 27, 2011 7:59 am

Made an account just to express my disappointment here. This game was going to be a definite purchase if it had local co-op, but without it added it's just not going to be worth a buy.

:shakehead:

» Fri May 27, 2011 1:32 am

I want to echo what most are saying here. My excitement about playing Hunted is mostly contingent on it being a coop game I can play in splitscreen. Even if the game isn't fantastic, there's a good chance I'd buy it for the splitscreen coop. If the game is online coop only, I am unlikely to purchase it at all.

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:13 am

I think it's very unfortunate that couch co-op games are becoming more and more rare (they were rather common back in the 80s and 90s, especially within the beat'em up genre like Final Fight, Streets of Rage and so on), as they are easily the ones I've enjoyed with friends the most. It sure would have been lovely if this game supported split-screen, as couch multiplayer is so much more fun than online multiplayer

» Fri May 27, 2011 9:40 am

I think the trouble is to many developers these days are getting obsessed by how good the graphics are and according to a interview at:-

http://www.co-optimus.com/interview/536/page/3/hunted-the-demon-s-forge-co-op-interview.html

Also here is the relevant section of the interview:-

"Co-Optimus: A lot of our readers enjoy playing these kinds of games with their friends, significant others, or kids on the couch through splitscreen or system link play. What lead to the decision to have this game be on-line co-op only?

Maxx: We made the decision early on that graphical fidelity was one of our major areas of focus. In order achieve the level of detail we wanted, we had make some tough decisions. We hope that people will really enjoy the environments and atmospheric detail we have in our world."

So its basically graphics/detail that is causing the total lack of split screen co-op in a game that is designed to be played in co-op

As some people have said before: EPIC FAIL

Gears of war 2 has good enough graphics and managed to run split screen co-op fine. If this game couldn't handle split screen co-op with higher detail levels then reduce them, its not as though gears of war 2 has dated badly.

I mention that game as demon forge is being compared to it.

Sorry split screen co-op in a co-op focused game is an ESSENTIAL FEATURE, not OPTIONAL.

Online is important as well but many people still want to play with their friends, family members or wife/husbands in the same room.

Delay the game if necessary but include this feature. If you don't it will certainly cost your company quite a few sales.

» Thu May 26, 2011 9:26 pm

Also I would like to add these games, all designed like hunted demon forge to be two player co-op from the begininng.

Kane and lynch 1+2
army of two 1+2
resident evil 5

Now some of these games are certainly of arguable overall quality BUT

They all had SPLIT SCREEN CO-OP as well as online options.

Those developers clearly realised that having a split screen option in a two player co-op game was a VERY GOOD IDEA and not having it would cost them some sales.

I'll say again, sorry to repeat myself BUT gears of war 2 looks fine even now from a graphics/textures POV even when running in split screen.

Does anyone on this forum seriously think that a game with gears of war 2 quality graphics BUT in a fantasy setting would look bad these days...?

Not having split screen = EPIC FAIL.

Here's the solution:-

Reduce the graphics/textures maybe even the frame rate slightly and get the split screen working and working well, even if this means delaying the game a bit.

Don't do it and cost yourselves some money.

I seriously can't still believe that ANY game designed from the ground up to be two player co-op hasn't got split screen options.

As homer simpson might say, D'OH.

» Fri May 27, 2011 12:39 am

I want to echo what most are saying here. My excitement about playing Hunted is mostly contingent on it being a coop game I can play in splitscreen. Even if the game isn't fantastic, there's a good chance I'd buy it for the splitscreen coop. If the game is online coop only, I am unlikely to purchase it at all.

This

» Fri May 27, 2011 8:08 am

Also I would like to add these games, all designed like hunted demon forge to be two player co-op from the begininng.

Kane and lynch 1+2
army of two 1+2
resident evil 5

Now some of these games are certainly of arguable overall quality BUT

They all had SPLIT SCREEN CO-OP as well as online options.

Those developers clearly realised that having a split screen option in a two player co-op game was a VERY GOOD IDEA and not having it would cost them some sales.

I'll say again, sorry to repeat myself BUT gears of war 2 looks fine even now from a graphics/textures POV even when running in split screen.

Does anyone on this forum seriously think that a game with gears of war 2 quality graphics BUT in a fantasy setting would look bad these days...?

Not having split screen = EPIC FAIL.

Here's the solution:-

Reduce the graphics/textures maybe even the frame rate slightly and get the split screen working and working well, even if this means delaying the game a bit.

Don't do it and cost yourselves some money.

I seriously can't still believe that ANY game designed from the ground up to be two player co-op hasn't got split screen options.

As homer simpson might say, D'OH.

Good graphics are important.

» Thu May 26, 2011 7:05 pm

I was super excited for Hunted: The Demon's Forge as the idea seemed really awesome to me, but what I was even more excited to be able to play with a friend on my couch, since this is a game where you play the entire campaign with two people. So I was shocked when I found out that this game will not have any split-screen, when it would be the perfect game for it. So what is up Bethesda? Does anyone else think this game would be benefit from split-screen.

Really for real no slip-screen

why dont game companies do split-screen any more....

I think it's very unfortunate that couch co-op games are becoming more and more rare (they were rather common back in the 80s and 90s, especially within the beat'em up genre like Final Fight, Streets of Rage and so on), as they are easily the ones I've enjoyed with friends the most. It sure would have been lovely if this game supported split-screen, as couch multiplayer is so much more fun than online multiplayer

this agreed.

This is very sad. I was looking forward to playing this with my buddy [who does not have x-box live or the internet for that matter at his house]

Couch Co-Op is one of our favorite activities! :shakehead:

I dont have live neither does my bud split-screen games where our thing too chill and game all night

there getting so rare slit-screen games...

» Fri May 27, 2011 6:08 am

Good graphics are important.

I never said they weren't important BUT too a point and not when it costs a game other needed options like split screen especially in a game designed to be two player co-op.

Thats why I mentioned them other games as they were all designed to be two player co-op AND all have split screen option.

Also by being online only co-op, you have to buy a copy each to play it with a friend which is:-

1) very expensive for some people. If you could buy just one copy to play with a friend you could split the cost between you.
2) Doesn't allow you to see if you like it.

Talking about "gears of war 2" here. Now I don't know if you are a PS3 or xbox360 owner or both (like me) but if not look for some gameplay footage of it.
That has very good/excellent graphics which IMHO still hold up well to this day.

If hunted: demon forge had graphics/animation as good/detailed as that game BUT in a fantasy setting rather than sci-fi then IMHO they would be good enough.

It also has a two player split screen through the entire campaign mode + horde mode (wave survival type mode)

I bought this game and a friend of mine wasn't as convinced by it so he came over mine and played it BUT he liked it alot and then bought his own copy so we could play its horde more online as well.

Graphics are important BUT only too a point, gameplay is more so IMHO and so is having all the "options" a game needs especially ones designed to be two player co-op.

Some developers are getting way too obsessed by graphics IMHO.

Most big budget next gen games eg (xbox360 + PS3) allready have very good/excellent graphics + animation.

» Thu May 26, 2011 10:33 pm

I never said they weren't important BUT too a point and not when it costs a game other needed options like split screen especially in a game designed to be two player co-op.

Thats why I mentioned them other games as they were all designed to be two player co-op AND all have split screen option.

Also by being online only co-op, you have to buy a copy each to play it with a friend which is:-

1) very expensive for some people. If you could buy just one copy to play with a friend you could split the cost between you.
2) Doesn't allow you to see if you like it.

Talking about "gears of war 2" here. Now I don't know if you are a PS3 or xbox360 owner or both (like me) but if not look for some gameplay footage of it.
That has very good/excellent graphics which IMHO still hold up well to this day.

If hunted: demon forge had graphics/animation as good/detailed as that game BUT in a fantasy setting rather than sci-fi then IMHO they would be good enough.

It also has a two player split screen through the entire campaign mode + horde mode (wave survival type mode)

I bought this game and a friend of mine wasn't as convinced by it so he came over mine and played it BUT he liked it alot and then bought his own copy so we could play its horde more online as well.

Graphics are important BUT only too a point, gameplay is more so IMHO and so is having all the "options" a game needs especially ones designed to be two player co-op.

Some developers are getting way too obsessed by graphics IMHO.

Most big budget next gen games eg (xbox360 + PS3) allready have very good/excellent graphics + animation.

Wow blew my mind, yes I agree In every way, plus im one of this gamers who would rather enjoy a game with a pal, and maybe just renting the game to save money and get to play the slit-screen and see if the game is worth buying.