Why multiplayer games may feel addictive

I don't generally play multiple multiplayer games, but the one I have been playing for thousands of hours is extremely addictive. It often affects the time I spend playing video games, as I often tend to ignore other games and keep playing the online FPS shooter. I do not use the mic much, but I can understand the fun factor of playing with a group of people dedicated to the games you play daily. There are various reasons why multiplayer games may feel addictive.

There is no need for guides for multiplayer games, when compared to the single player games, where a player might need to look online to know where to go or what to do next, or if they are missing out on items or some side quests, or secret content. Single-player games may require retrying entire levels or boss fights again and again, but in multiplayer games, the failures are not that big of a deal because of faster respawns and thus instant continuation of the game’s flow. It is much faster to get in and out of various servers/maps in a multiplayer game. Single-player games can also be faster and instantaneous; they require dedication, discipline to complete them. Of course, the multiplayer games also require focus, especially when you are sniping; unless you care about maintaining and improving your K/D ratio, everything in multiplayer games is generally very much forgivable.

Even when someone is not into completion or trophies/achievements, just finishing single player games can feel like a daunting task, especially modern open-world games that seem to take very long to complete. I prefer games with long length, so short games are not my cup of tea, but I can understand the players who prefer short games, indie games etc. These type of players generally have less daily time to spend on video games, but the multiplayer games are very suitable for these gamers are well, as they spend a few hours, get their daily action fix, and that is enough for them for the day.

At the core of it, we play video games to have fun, pass the time, and for some people, it could be the only form of socializing with other people, and multiplayer games have the formula that keeps players invested for as long as the game’s online timespan lasts. Most multiplayer games involve a steady progression, which mostly involves unlocking more and more weapons, skins, characters, etc., and because of their instant gratification feel, the potential of developing new friends, most players are likely to spend more of their play time in multiplayer games instead of focusing on the single player games they have.