SO HIGH, SO LOW

Not much good has come out of the year and a half or so that the Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged the world – and, while we seem to be getting there, it’s still not quite over! But there is some good to appreciate out of this disaster, from the amazingly quick development of multiple vaccines to the heroism of front line workers – and more! On a much lesser note, even gaming has been affected.

As discussed in our pages before, there has been an unprecedented rise in online gaming. Gamers have managed to make new contacts and keep in contact with friends from around the world who share gaming interests. But for those who either do not have internet access or simply don’t enjoy long distance gaming, there have been a surge in game design of a particular type: solo gaming. 

It seems that nearly every game released since the pandemic hit has included a solo mode of play. Now not every attempt to add this to a game has been successful. We can certainly agree on that. But enough of them have been able to provide a viable alternative to  multiplayer play to make this trend noteworthy. 

Keeping your brain active is important under any circumstance. But keeping your brain active during the pandemic when human contact has been so sharply curtailed with an abundance of restrictions makes it even more important.  As usual, the creativity human beings show under trying conditions blossomed once again as game designers answered the call to provide gaming entertainment to those who were unable to find gaming partners. With the pandemic winding down,  it might be expected that solo modes might fall aside and not be added to new releases to come. I hope not. 

I’m for anything that increases access to and enjoyment of quality games. While I always have a preference to playing well with others, sometimes that is just not possible. That’s why being able to have 1 player options for quality games is a plus, a big plus. That’s why I’m so high on solo play and I encourage game designers to continue to seek ways to make their new offerings solo suitable as well. 

In this issue of Gamers Alliance Report, we go to trial, plant gardens and build an army of Dwarves! Greg J. Schloesser hits the trails, Chris Wray explores while Chris Kovac revs his engines! James Davis zeroes in while Andrea “Liga” Ligabue sees “red”! Plus we welcome to our pages Robert Marti who has a few tricks up his sleeve! And, of course, much more.

Until next time, Good Gaming! 

Herb Levy, President

Have feedback? We’d love to hear from you.

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