Multiplayer games
Games where you share the same space with other people; your rival or teammate is not an AI.
What is the multiplayer genre?
Multiplayer is a way of playing more than a genre: The player across from you or next to you is a real person, not the computer. This one difference changes the whole game, because a human opponent cannot be memorized. The same map, the same weapons and the same rules produce a different match every time.
The genre splits in two. On the competitive side players face each other, and balancing and ranking systems are decisive. On the cooperative side players work toward the same goal together; here the real mechanic is communication and dividing up the job. Local split screen and online matchmaking both fall under the same roof.
What defines it?
Because the other side is unpredictable, no two matches are alike.
Players can play against each other or work toward the same goal together.
Developer updates constantly readjust character and weapon balance.
How alive a game feels is directly linked to its number of active players.
Landmark games
Well-known examples often used to explain the genre. For the list on our site, see the games section below.
At a glance
Multiplayer games (52)
Frequently asked questions
What does co-op mean?
It is the mode where players play together rather than against each other. You complete the same mission or campaign as a team. On a split screen it is local co-op, and over the internet it is online co-op.
What is cross-play?
It is the feature that lets players on different platforms, such as PC and console, meet in the same match. It shortens matchmaking times, but not every game has it.