COO Peter Moore Says EA Will Continue to Make Single Player and Offline Modes Available in Games
As Microsoft found out when it first announced its Xbox One console, gamers aren't reel keen on systems or platforms that require a persistent Internet connection, and so the company pulled a 180. All has been forgiven, it seems, but gamers are still sensitive to the issue, so the reaction wasn't all that positive when Peter Moore, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Electronic Arts (EA) stated at Gamescom last week that EA no longer makes offline games.
A week later, Moore stands by that statement, but says media headlines and social networks like Twitter are misinterpreting what he meant. So, what did he mean?
"Today, most games are 'online' in some way, shape or form. Many games connect in online multiplayer modes; others include online services which allow for periodic content updates, sharing stats or achievements, or connecting with friends; and others are games downloaded through digital delivery methods like Origin or the App Store," Moore explained. "The reality is, the Internet and social connectivity touches every one of our titles today – and has for several years.
"What that does NOT mean is that every game we ship will require an online connection. Many, if not most, of our games include single-player, offline modes that you can play entirely without an Internet connection, if you choose. We know that's something our players want, and we will continue to deliver it."
Moore also talked about EA's plans for free-to-play games. He stated that while many of EA's popular franchises are experimenting with a free-to-play mode, not all of the publisher's games will go that route. One that will, however, is Command & Conquer, which has a free-to-play mode coming online later this year.
A week later, Moore stands by that statement, but says media headlines and social networks like Twitter are misinterpreting what he meant. So, what did he mean?
"Today, most games are 'online' in some way, shape or form. Many games connect in online multiplayer modes; others include online services which allow for periodic content updates, sharing stats or achievements, or connecting with friends; and others are games downloaded through digital delivery methods like Origin or the App Store," Moore explained. "The reality is, the Internet and social connectivity touches every one of our titles today – and has for several years.
"What that does NOT mean is that every game we ship will require an online connection. Many, if not most, of our games include single-player, offline modes that you can play entirely without an Internet connection, if you choose. We know that's something our players want, and we will continue to deliver it."
Moore also talked about EA's plans for free-to-play games. He stated that while many of EA's popular franchises are experimenting with a free-to-play mode, not all of the publisher's games will go that route. One that will, however, is Command & Conquer, which has a free-to-play mode coming online later this year.
