MotoGP 22 Marks the Triumphant Return of Split Screen Racing
As a long-time MotoGP gamer, I was thrilled to learn that the latest entry in the series, MotoGP 22, finally brings back split screen multiplayer after years without this beloved feature.
The History: Split Screen Gets Left Behind
Older MotoGP games used to allow a friend to join the racing action on the same screen. This couch competition functionality has delivered countless hours of fun ever since we were kids. Unfortunately, recent entries have axed split screen support:
- MotoGP 15 (2015): Supported split screen for up to 12 players
- MotoGP 17 (2017): Advertised split screen mode in features list
- MotoGP 18 (2018): No split screen multiplayer
- MotoGP 19 (2019): No split screen option
- MotoGP 20 (2020): Does not have split screen
- MotoGP 21 (2021): Still no return of split screen
As seen above, the last time a MotoGP game had split screen was way back in 2017‘s MotoGP 17.
MotoGP 22 Changes Everything
Based on official gameplay footage, MotoGP 22 wholeheartedly embraces split screen competition. Two players race down the track simultaneously in a horizontal split layout.
As a passionate MotoGP gamer, this news excites me. Couch play creates such a fun and social atmosphere compared to mute online matches against random opponents.
A New Hope: What This Means for the Future
Hopefully the return of split screen signals that the developers understand the importance of this feature after neglecting it in recent iterations. Modern games often sadly ignore local multiplayer, but the community passion is clearly still there.
The future looks bright for having friends over to battle it out on the virtual track without needing two consoles and TVs! This was a major flaw in the last few MotoGP games which prevented truly enjoying multiplayer.
Split Screen Support in Other Racing Titles
For context, here is a comparison of some other recent racing games and their split screen capability:
| Game | Release Year | Has Split Screen? |
|---|---|---|
| F1 2021 | 2021 | Yes (vertical) |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 2021 | No |
| Gran Turismo Sport | 2017 | Yes (limitations) |
| Need for Speed Hot Pursuit | 2020 | No |
| WRC 10 | 2021 | Yes |
As shown above, split screen is hit-or-miss lately. Some allow it while others ignore local multiplayer. MotoGP 22 joining the ranks of the former is great for casual play.
Key Takeaways: MotoGP is Back in Split Screen Business
- Older MotoGP games featured beloved split screen racing
- Recent entries sadly left this out from ~2018-2021
- MotoGP 22 proudly reintroduces split screen based on trailers
- This returns the social fun of side-by-side competition
- Hopefully split screen is here to stay in future versions!
Let me know what you think – are you also happy split screen is back in MotoGP? Do you plan to enjoy some casual races against friends when MotoGP 22 launches?
