You have to take in considiration that PC gaming only makes up 2-4% of Computerised Gaming market. Where PC gaming is more multiplayer orientated, console gaming is more single player.
I cannot fully recall, but on a documentry shown on BBC about computer gaming stats a few months ago - multiplayer makes up less than 10% of games, the rest is all single player fun.
OMW, funny you should mention MorroWind...
I packed my game boxes away last week. I couldnt believe how far back that feels and how 'old' those games are
I think the question is broad. Cetrain genre's I couldn't care about multiplayer and certain I can't live without.
I think with the rising popularity of MMORPG's the entire single player might take a hit. Just imagine Oblivion as a MMORPG or NPC Single player. I would choose the MMORPG without a blink of an eye.
lately companies have had different development teams working on the SP and MP aspects of games. this cuts down on delays but increases cost.
I think Oblivion is a prime example of how single player games are still strong without a MP aspect. But overall if a game has multiplayer builtin it has a prolongued lifespan for gamers due to the competition in the online arena.
i prefer multiplayer games ... the computer just lacks th@ human Ai
sport genre features top of my single player games list. It's frags against human components that count for me.