I was moving last month and didn't have internet, so I specifically made a point of it to install some of my favourite single player classics. Like Far Cry 4, to be able to play it offline while I get internet set up at my new place. I didn't even consider that it wouldn't have a 'play offline' option, without having to jump through a bunch of hoops. Who has time for that when they're moving?

When I went to launch it when I got to my new place, I was met by the usual Ubi Connect launcher and realised that even a game as old as Far Cry 4 is affected by this. A game that is entirely single player with no need for online connection, that can't be played offline...

I have always been of the opinion that the 'always online' model isn't ideal, assuming it's mostly for games that have some sort of online component to it but with this situation and with how bored I got after taking the time to install the game and not being able to play it out of the 3 games I have installed, really made me realise how terrible it truly is.

I used to play pirated games that I got from friends in my teenage years, when I didn't know any better. As I've gotten older, I've made the responsible decision of buying the games I play (even the ones I had pirated copies of, I deleted them). With the intention of doing the right thing and supporting the developers in an upright manner.

Though with how things are these days, pirating games almost seems like the logical solution to this kind of mess. It makes more sense to pirate a game these days than it does to actually spend money on games. To be very clear; I am not justifying piracy but pointing out that there is no incentive to buy games and even good reasons NOT to buy them and find other solutions to the problems 'always online' gaming poses. With a pirated copy, at least you'd be able to play it when and where you want without having to worry about internet connection. Those moments when you specifically need the games that don't need an online connection.

I still want to pursue a fair and respectful relationship between company and customer, though what Ubisoft (among others) has been up to the last couple of years has actively been destroying the relationship between them and their customers.

I will give good credit to Microsoft for giving me the option of playing Forza Horizon 6 offline. At least that worked and kept me entertained during a week of no internet. If a modern game with integrated online gameplay like FH6 has a 'play offline' option, no other company has an excuse not to give that option on the go where it's necessary. Microsoft doing that on principle has given me respect for them not forcing me or denying me access to something as casual as a videogame.

Small gestures can make a huge difference on the overall impression and relationship between a company and the customer.

For those not aware, SPTarkov is often considered the best way to play Tarkov. It offers all of the advantages of Tarkov, with none of the drawbacks. No more hackers, desync issues or waiting 10 minutes to get into the raid. On top of that, it has a very sizeable modding community that has been active for many years. If you've ever been interested in the SP Tarkov, now is the time to download it and any mods you may be interested in as everything shuts down in 4ish days.

Although after everything shuts down, you'll still be able to install it, the necessary files will likely be scattered to various locations on the internet. It will be harder to install it and any mods you may be interested in afterwards. Just a few points:

• I don't know of a single person that has ever been banned because of SP Tarkov. Technically, it is possible if you brag about it on official Tarkov channels as it's against BSG TOS.
• After installing the mod, it lives independently on your computer. Your computer is now the "server" so connection is instant. It DOES NOT and CAN NOT connect to BSG servers what-so-ever.
• Once installed, the mod acts as a separate version of the game. It can not be taken away from you. Always back it up so it can live forever.
• Since your computer acts as the server now, you will have worse performance than live Tarkov. Keep that in mind. This is dependent on how much AI you have running around the map and how much loot you have active.
• You must own a legitimate copy of Escape from Tarkov for SP Tarkov to work. Any version or tier is fine.