I can only speak for myself and myself only - but I am with CJM (again) on this.
I already have other games dedicated to playing with friends - moba games, MMORPGs, not mentioning my DnD campaign. But not CRPGs - CRPGs are mine to enjoy by myself - I tried playing CRPGs with friends, but it was a DISASTER and not enjoyable at all and not something I will repeat in any near future.
Here's why: I play CRPGs for the same reason most do - I want to get immersed in the story, the characters and the game entirely. I want to be able to dwell for hours, and hours if necessary (I got MUCH better stamina than all of the people I play with, with the ONE exception being my brother which is pretty much my equal). It is basically the same for me as reading a good book or watching a good movie - I hate being interrupted or distracted unless I feel ready to leave by myself - but adding the human element invites for 1110 different possible distrubances and distractions.
These essays. I swear save some for your professors. :P
Anyway, you know doing one thing doesn't preclude the other? I Do play singleplayer all the time for the reasons you just stated.
However, for long term replayability and hijinks there is nothing like multiplayer. As long as you know not to take yourself seriously and follow the rules of improvisation its fine. Although I always suggest setting expectations at the start. Some groups like to mess with each other which can be fun if everyone is in on it.
Again the key is to find good people. I have built up a great list of fun people to play with. I have also made note of people I don't ever want to play with because of various anti-social tendencies.
But honestly everyone is entitled to their own way to play. I think we were just saying that multiplayer is extremely valuable for the game - especially if it becomes a platform where people (or Larian or 3rd parties) can build additional mods that we can export from. Imagine having a good group of friends who you go through multiple Mods with as you level your characters?
fun!
