Arkane's vampire shooter "Redfall" (opens in new tab) focuses on co-op multiplayer, but also supports solo play: the Steam (opens in new tab) page describes it as an "open world, single player, co-op FPS." Described on the Steam page (opens in tab) as an "open world, single player, co-op FPS." Bethesda's communications chief, Pete Hines, also stated that the game can be played "alone." Unfortunately, even if one plays alone, one must be online.

The "always online" requirement is clarified in the Red Fall FAQ (open in new tab), where it states that "single-player and co-op require a persistent online connection." Nothing could be clearer: if you want to play, you must be connected. You also need to be linked to a Steam or Xbox user ID to play.

In this age of digital distribution and cloud gaming, where everyone is always connected, this may not seem like a big deal. However, some people still do not have a solid, reliable connection. As someone who occasionally finds myself in that position, I can tell you that it is beyond frustrating and, frankly, absolutely infuriating to be told that you can't play a single-player game because your Internet is broken.

The situation is better than it was a decade ago, when then-Xbox chief Don Mattrick faced massive flak for saying that anyone unhappy with the Xbox One's online requirements was welcome to stick with the Xbox 360 (open in new tab). (The "candid feedback (open in new tab)" on Matlick's negative remarks was so strong that Microsoft eventually dropped the requirement.)

The requirement was not a problem.

But it still sucks for people in rural areas, those using pay-as-you-go accounts, or those who cannot afford to safely assume that the connection will always be there. There is no legitimate reason why one must be connected to the Internet to play a game alone.

"Redfall" will definitely put more emphasis on the social element, and that will definitely make it a better game, but it doesn't have to be mandatory. I much prefer the approach of the game I am currently playing, "Weird West" (open in new tab): there is an online mode that collects analytical data and allows for "community events", but you can turn it all off if you prefer. By the way, I play with an always-on connection, but it is very nice to have the option.

Arkane's "Redfall" is scheduled for release on May 2 and will be available on Game Pass upon its release.