Bots are underrated. That’s probably why most developers don’t include them in modern multiplayer games. Instead these games are a trial by fire that allows experienced players to talk big while they mow down opponents that are just getting their feet wet. Seems fair.
Since there isn’t any actual pride in beating opponents that don’t stand a chance, it seems logical to give these “n00bs” a place to practice, plus it’s not like the veteran players even want to play with them. This is exactly what Ubisoft is doing with Rainbow Six: Siege.
In talking with What Culture at EGX 2015, one of Siege’s art directors, Scott Mitchell confirmed that the game will not include a traditional single player campaign, saying,
There is no story mode per se. You go through training, where you get to experience different operators and their devices. You can play against enemy AI in co-op through all the maps. You can customise matches, so that’s what we’re offering on the single-player side of things.
The lack of a dedicated single player experience goes against the history of the Tom Clancy series, so it has the potential to ruffle a few feathers of longtime fans.
However, if you have been following this game at all or have been a part of the recent closed beta, it’s been pretty obvious from the beginning that multiplayer has been the game’s only focus.
But with the presence of bots, players are not forced to learn on the fly, and feel like they are a burden to their team. Instead, they can learn the game and its maps at their own pace, and then jump into the fray once they feel ready. Not only that, the game counts progress achieved offline the same as it would if you were playing online, so the choice is entirely the player’s.
Rainbow Six: Siege launches later this year on December 1st 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
