Always-Online Requirements for Single-Player Games

Always-online requirements for single-player games rob players of ownership through arbitrary server dependencies. From SimCity 2013 to the latest Hitman trilogy, publishers force continuous internet connections on games lacking any multiplayer component—a practice that outperforms #8's edition tier madness in outright consumer hostility. When servers inevitably shut down, these games become permanently unplayable, effectively stealing purchases from buyers who thought they owned a product rather than a revocable license. This practice affects 15% of major single-player releases over the last decade, with server closures destroying access to titles like The Crew within just 10 years of launch. It is cheaper than the typical rival practice in development cost, yet inflicts maximum long-term damage on consumer trust.