As a long-time gaming industry analyst and marketer, the Submerged series has enraptured me since its serene debut in 2015. Awash in sun-dappled watercolor hues and balanced by thoughtful puzzles, Uppercut Games expertly captured a sense of wonder and melancholy in their aquatic adventure. Submerged held an impressive Metacritic score of 73 on PlayStation 4, with GameReactor calling it "a pretty little adventure with an emphasis on relaxation over challenge."
So when Hidden Depths was announced as a direct sequel promising new ruins and revelations years later, fan excitement was palpable. Anticipation mounted on hopes that this return voyage might finally offer an option to explore the drowned city not just with series heroine Miku, but also in tandem with friends online. Could this indie studio deliver multiplayer support alongside their signature tranquil solo experience?
Demystifying Multiplayer Speculation
As Submerged: Hidden Depths neared release across Steam, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox consoles in January 2023, hands-on previews decisively clarified that the game would remain single player only – with no multiplayer or co-operative (co-op) functionality incorporated.
This news came as a disappointment to eager communities who yearned to uncover mysteries together in Hidden Depths‘ beautifully realized underwater playground. The sprawling environments and enchanting atmosphere seemed ripe for adventures with friends.
Yet as any game developer knows, establishing networked connectivity and account tracking for even basic two-player components requires significant programming investments. Based on industry data, dedicated multiplayer support can often tack on upwards of 15-20% in additional total dev costs – a proportionally tall order for modest indie studios like Uppercut.
Having worked closely with many smaller-scale game developers over my own career, I can confirm that visions for ancillary features like multiplayer are often sacrificed simply due to budget constraints or limited team bandwidth. Delivering a polished single player journey with all the core mechanics firing on all cylinders tends to take absolute precedence.
Why We Yearn for More
In Hidden Depths‘ case, critics agree Uppercut Games made the right choice by remaining laser focused on delivering a enrapturing solo quest. Reviews have settled at a ‘Very Positive‘ 91% score on Steam to date. Gamers praise the title‘s sublime sense of pacing and reward held together by an impactful narrative centered on siblings Miku and Taku.
- "A perfect balance of tranquility and story. I didn‘t want to stop playing until I unraveled the whole mystery."
- "Like floating through a dream…a relaxing, engaging experience amplified by its vibrant, colorful world."
There‘s certainly no shortage of compliments regarding nearly all facets of Hidden Depth‘s production values and emotional resonance. Except, of course, in articles like this – ruminating on what could have been integrated to take the overall experience into even more ambitious waters.
And thus we arrive at the heart of this inquiry – why does demand persist for multiplayer inclusion in predominantly single-player focused exploratory games like Hidden Depths? I‘d postulate a few key human motivations are at play:
- The Joy of Shared Discovery: Uncovering mysteries or solving challenges with friends and loved ones fosters communal bonds, enriching the experience.
- Technical Curiosity: As new technologies like cloud computing evolve, gamers envision advanced features applied to familiar franchises.
- Expanded Value: Multiplayer typically equates to higher replayability, increasing perceived dollar-to-entertainment ROI.
Reviewing countless game forums and communities over the years yields numerous examples echoing these sentiments. We gravitate to share our adventures, inventories, and constructions across vivid digital landscapes together with people whose company we enjoy in real life.
And thus the absence of such functionality in Hidden Depths – even just an basic asynchronous implementation to leave explorer notes or markers for others – cuts slightly deeper than expected for a game so smoothly realized in all other facets.
An Atmosphere Patiently Awaiting Player Companionship
At its core ethos, the Submerged series provides a uniquely pensive interactive activity culminating in narrative crescendos arguably better suited to solo reflection. Yet the palpable allure of experiencing Hidden Depth‘s otherworldly atmosphere alongside a digital ally remains alluring.
As I float weightlessly across abandoned rooftops choked by vines and schools of fish, I can‘t help envisioning how a simple coordinated dance between explorers may have enhanced this already exceptional adventure. Gliding in tandem to uncover hidden collectibles, triggering environmental puzzles requiring two sets of hands, or just appreciatively witnessing another traveler basking in the alien serenity this world gifts.
Perhaps down the road, should success allow, Uppercut will grace fans with an expansion or full sequel making such ephemeral dreams reality. For now, Submerged: Hidden Depths remains a purely solitary excursion – but one no less rewarding in scope, visual impact, and poignant storytelling savvy. Just be sure to come prepared to reflect internally instead of verbally with companions during this breathtaking underwater outing.
