With the ubiquity of the Internet and the popularity of social games, are single-player experiences becoming a niche genre? This week, we're happy to welcome Justin Keverne back to the podcast to discuss the role of single player games in a medium currently fascinated by group experiences. An accomplished game designer and critic, Justin helps us make sense of the relationship between single-player, multiplayer, and "social" games. We cover everything from the fourth wall, to Venn diagrams, and even the behemoth that is Facebook. As you know, the podcast isn't meant to be a single-player experience, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!Some discussion starters:- Is the single-player experience a historical aberration?- How do social components effect your experience with a game? What are the differences between a collaborative playthrough of a single-player game, online leader boards, asynchronous play, and active multiplayer?- What types of themes are best explored in a single-player game? What are some examples of games that rely on solo experiences? To listen to the podcast:- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 58 min 38 sec- "Groping The Elephant," Justin Keverne's website- "What is a Social Game?" by Nicholas Lovell, via GAMESbrief- "Are single player-games doomed?" by Raph Koster, via Raph Koster's Website- "Is the shift to online a fad?" by Raph Koster, via Raph Koster's Website- "Have single-player games ever existed?" by Raph Koster, via Raph Koster's Website- "Single Players are Not an Aberation" by Tadhg Kelly, via Gamesbrief- Music provided by Brad Sucks