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When creating a new game, players are prompted with a Single-player and Multiplayer option to choose from.

Is there an actual in-game difference that results from these two choices, or is it only there to inform players that the game can be played either single or multiplayer?

I was under the impression that people could drop in and out of any game, regardless of the above setting, provided permissions were set appropriately in the options (which is completely separate from the above choice).

I only ask because, to me, the choice is confusing (since every game can be multiplayer with the right permissions). Every time I come across it I wonder if choosing one versus the other is altering the game in some hidden way.

On an unrelated note, are there plans to put a "credits" button on the main menu?

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I have not tried the coop yet but I think if you choose the multiplayer option then one of your friends can join you during the character creation on make their own character (is it correct?)

Credits will be eventually in the game (since Kickstarter backers will be named in the credits) but I do not know where or how the credits will be implemented eventually.

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Originally Posted by Elwyn
I have not tried the coop yet but I think if you choose the multiplayer option then one of your friends can join you during the character creation on make their own character (is it correct?)


It's this. In Singleplayer, the host creates both characters: appearance and build. In multiplayer, each player can do their own appearance and build.

P.S. Larian: The local chat MUST, MUST be visible during multiplayer character creation to help players coordinate their builds. They're not always going to be side-by-side or have a Steam overlay. It's vital that there be a way to coordinate.

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Originally Posted by Stabbey
Originally Posted by Elwyn
I have not tried the coop yet but I think if you choose the multiplayer option then one of your friends can join you during the character creation on make their own character (is it correct?)


It's this. In Singleplayer, the host creates both characters: appearance and build. In multiplayer, each player can do their own appearance and build.


Yes, but if you choose "multiplayer" and you're playing alone, you can still create both characters appearance and build - which makes the single-player mode redundant. There seems to be nothing you can do in single-player that you can't already do in multiplayer, so why offer both modes?

Unless there is a hidden difference, I'm really struggling to see a need for both of these options on the menu. Even if it's to let players know the game can be played either way, isn't there a better way to get that information across (e.g. tooltip when hovering over "New Game").

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1) who cares
2) it's already implemented
3) I can't see how removing one option would do anything except create confusion
4) There will almost certainly be additional options to join games, like for LAN and direct IP connection, so differences are a possibility.

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Gyson Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Stabbey
1) who cares

Is that really a necessary response? If something is not worth caring about to you, that doesn't mean it's the same for everyone.

Originally Posted by Stabbey
2) it's already implemented

Since when has that been a reason not to change something (particularly in this game).

Originally Posted by Stabbey
3) I can't see how removing one option would do anything except create confusion

Can you explain how exactly it would add confusion? I'm simply talking about removing a redundant step, so that when you select "New Game" it simply starts a new game and moves you to character creation, rather than prompting you with "Singleplayer" and "Multiplayer" buttons - buttons which seem redundant because drop-in/out co-op is available regardless of which button you press.

See, there are going to be players out there looking at those single/multiplayer prompts and thinking "Uh.. well, I'm starting off singleplayer but I might want my friend to join me later.. but I might not. Am I locking myself into a choice by choosing one of these now? I better go ask on the forums..". That's "confusion". It also addresses your "who cares" question.

Originally Posted by Stabbey
4) There will almost certainly be additional options to join games, like for LAN and direct IP connection, so differences are a possibility.

That wouldn't matter, as it's still drop in/out co-op and the process from the game creator's side is the still same.

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Originally Posted by Stabbey
Originally Posted by Elwyn
I have not tried the coop yet but I think if you choose the multiplayer option then one of your friends can join you during the character creation on make their own character (is it correct?)


It's this. In Singleplayer, the host creates both characters: appearance and build. In multiplayer, each player can do their own appearance and build.

P.S. Larian: The local chat MUST, MUST be visible during multiplayer character creation to help players coordinate their builds. They're not always going to be side-by-side or have a Steam overlay. It's vital that there be a way to coordinate.


^ that was the answer o.o

Single player you create both characters.
Multi player your guest creates one of the starting characters.

It is important to have the multi player option so please Larian keep it in there.

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Originally Posted by Gyson

Can you explain how exactly it would add confusion?


You must be new to the Internet.

Quote

See, there are going to be players out there looking at those single/multiplayer prompts and thinking "Uh.. well, I'm starting off singleplayer but I might want my friend to join me later.. but I might not. Am I locking myself into a choice by choosing one of these now? I better go ask on the forums..". That's "confusion". It also addresses your "who cares" question.


Remove an option and you'll have the same number or more people asking "where is the multiplayer option?" / "where is the single-player option?"


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Originally Posted by Ellary
Originally Posted by Stabbey
Originally Posted by Elwyn
I have not tried the coop yet but I think if you choose the multiplayer option then one of your friends can join you during the character creation on make their own character (is it correct?)


It's this. In Singleplayer, the host creates both characters: appearance and build. In multiplayer, each player can do their own appearance and build.

P.S. Larian: The local chat MUST, MUST be visible during multiplayer character creation to help players coordinate their builds. They're not always going to be side-by-side or have a Steam overlay. It's vital that there be a way to coordinate.


^ that was the answer o.o

Single player you create both characters.
Multi player your guest creates one of the starting characters.

It is important to have the multi player option so please Larian keep it in there.


That's actually *not* it.

If you choose "multiplayer" and you're playing alone, you can still create both characters appearance and build - which makes the single-player mode redundant. There seems to be nothing you can do in single-player that you can't already do in multiplayer.

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Gyson Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Stabbey
Originally Posted by Gyson

Can you explain how exactly it would add confusion?


You must be new to the Internet.

So, you're not going to take a stab at a serious answer then? You felt sarcasm was the best way to go here?

Originally Posted by Stabbey
Originally Posted by Gyson

See, there are going to be players out there looking at those single/multiplayer prompts and thinking "Uh.. well, I'm starting off singleplayer but I might want my friend to join me later.. but I might not. Am I locking myself into a choice by choosing one of these now? I better go ask on the forums..". That's "confusion". It also addresses your "who cares" question.


Remove an option and you'll have the same number or more people asking "where is the multiplayer option?" / "where is the single-player option?"


No, because the setting is already available elsewhere:

Options > Multiplayer > Game Mode> Offline/Invite Only/Friends/Public

And if that's not enough, it's available again in-game from the connection menu on the upper right corner of the screen:

[Linked Image]

Seriously, how many single/multiplayer settings do you need? Two separate instances of it is not enough? You really feel it's critical to have three?

The fact is, there seems to be zero difference between "New Game > Singleplayer" and "New Game > Multiplayer". Regardless of which path you choose you end up with a game that can be played either way.

A new player, however, is not going to know that. To a new player, that singleplayer prompt might as well be saying "Are you 100% certain you're never going to want to have a friend join your game at some point far in the future.. like ever? You're ready to lock the option out now permanently?", and that multiplayer prompt might as well be saying "This will alter your game is some way that won't be obvious to you until it's too late" - despite the fact that both choices do exactly the same thing.

Confusing players with a pointless option that doesn't actually do anything is, well, pointless. It might as well say "New Game > Grilled Cheese / Fishing Twine / Rome in June" for all the difference that prompt makes.

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How it works is a bit odd, so I suspect this will be a common question for a while.

Another way to do it:

New Game (That is all, one option)
- Now In Character Creation
In top Corner have an -Invite Multiplayer- button. If you want to MP, click it.
Now the graphic in the previous post appears, server does it thing and now the player can join to create their character.


No need for Single/Multiplayer start. "Hey What's the difference?" all day in global chat.



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Not much time for in-depth comment, but I tend to agree with Gyson and Horrorscope here.

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is it truly harming you gaming experience? it's a button that you press.. Single player is purely single player no option of adding in a friend.

Multiplayer while you can choose to set it for no one to join at the start..can be changed so someone can join later.

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Gyson Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Ellary
Single player is purely single player no option of adding in a friend.


You can still add in a friend (or anyone) even if you choose singleplayer.

I explained how I thought it might harm the game experience for new players already (see posts further above). Can you explain how/why you believe removing a redundant button press that doesn't actually do anything would harm the game experience?

Edit: See, the fact that you yourself (and others in this thread) seem confused (and have been completely wrong) about what these two options actually do is more than enough reason to justify removing them. Those choices have given you the impression that there is some sort of difference between singleplayer and multiplayer modes, when there actually isn't one.

If you folks can't get it straight after all this time as an alpha/beta testers, how is a new player expected to not be confused?

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Does the single player option allow Player 1 to specify both characters before inviting a partner? If so then the first choice is not redundant.


Someone must have spiked her senna pod drink!
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Originally Posted by mfr
Does the single player option allow Player 1 to specify both characters before inviting a partner? If so then the first choice is not redundant.


Neither the singleplayer or multiplayer option allows or prevents a player from joining in during character creation. The only thing that allows or prevents that is your settings in the Options > Multiplayer > Game Mode> Offline/Invite Only/Friends/Public section.

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I would love to hear a dev's take on all of this. As was mentioned previously, there might be a reason for the single/multi option that is internal or not yet implemented.

I think the negative feedback that others have to Gyson's idea stems from them not wanting to create more work for the devs. This is a valid concern. However, I believe that if the assumptions that Gyson is making are correct, then it is confusing/redundant enough to warrant the devs' time.

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Originally Posted by Noinert
I would love to hear a dev's take on all of this. As was mentioned previously, there might be a reason for the single/multi option that is internal or not yet implemented.


I am interested in actually finding out if there is a real difference, because I certainly want to be aware of what exactly changes based on my game creation choices.

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Single player does not allow the second player the options to make a character. Whoever told you they can is wrong.

I am not sure why the game is being nit picked apart so badly... Baldurs gate had a single player and a multiplayer options and no one freaked out over it.

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Originally Posted by Ellary

I am not sure why the game is being nit picked apart so badly... Baldurs gate had a single player and a multiplayer options and no one freaked out over it.


It is a proof of D:OS quality hehe When we do not have any huge issues to complain about we start to nitpick.

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