The Guardian’s Pushing Buttons column, published on Feb. 15, 2023, argues that online multiplayer cannot match the magic of playing with someone sitting nearby.

Online play versus sharing a room

The column centers on the contrast between multiplayer over the internet and playing side by side.

That distinction raises a question for players: how much of multiplayer’s appeal comes from sharing the game in person?

Image credits

Erikhjortsberg at en.wikipedia · Public domain

Djmorison · Public domain

Svenskarna och internet 2021, Internetstiftelsen · CC0