Remember the good old days of gaming when you could easily link up devices and play together? Like back in the Game Boy days where a simple cable could do the trick. Fast forward to now, and I’m stuck wondering why my friend and I, who both own Steam Decks, can’t just set up a local area network (LAN) to game together. Is it really that complex? We’re hoping to use a mobile router to create a local connection, where one Deck acts as the server and the other as a client. However, I realize that this requires the game to support such a setup and that the first handheld would need enough processing power to handle the game streaming. I dream of playing co-op games like ‘It Takes Two’ or ‘Split Fiction’ offline, but it’s disappointing to see that this feature seems to have faded away in modern gaming. Can anyone shed some light on this?
3 Answers
Unfortunately, it’s largely a game design issue. Developers prioritize online play because it’s easier to set up for the majority, as they assume most players will want to connect over the internet. The old preference for LAN play has taken a backseat, even though the hardware can technically support it if the game allows.
Exactly! If only more developers recognized the demand for local co-op mode, I feel like we’d see a comeback of those classic multiplayer experiences.
The main issue here is that many modern games just aren’t built with local multiplayer in mind anymore. Developers tend to focus on online play because that’s what most gamers prefer these days. So, while you can still connect devices, you often need the game itself to support LAN play. A lot of Steam titles like Counter-Strike and Team Fortress 2 still allow for local connections, but it’s sad that many newer games don’t offer that option.
That’s absolutely right! It seems like most new games are designed for online play, assuming that players will always have access to the internet. Local multiplayer seems to be what’s losing attention.
Losing the local multiplayer aspect is such a bummer! I remember playing so many split-screen games back in the day. Now I mostly game alone or with friends online.
I’ve had some success playing local multiplayer with my friends on Steam Decks. A mobile router setup can work well for games like Terraira and even some open-source games. It takes a little patience to set up, but once you’re sorted, it’s a blast. Just be sure the games you choose actually support local play properly.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely try that! It’d be great to reclaim some of that local gaming magic.
Totally agree, LAN parties with Steam Decks sound like an absolute blast! Just wish more games would support it.
It’s pretty silly! Having that local connection used to be such a huge part of gaming. I really miss that!