Square Enix believe multiplayer games have "taken the lead".

Square Enix title Final Fantasy IX

Square Enix title Final Fantasy IX

The gaming giants - who are known for developing games such as the 'Final Fantasy', 'Kingdom Hearts', and 'Dragon Quest' franchises - have claimed that video game players are no longer as interested in single player games as they are multiplayer, and will now look at a "games as a service" model to create their content in the future.

Square Enix president Yousuke Matsuda said: "Gone are the days in which single-player games were of primary status and multiplayer games secondary. Lately, multiplayer games have taken the lead, and it is standard for games to be designed for long-term play."

The "games a service" model is the idea that games can be played for much longer than current single player games allow, as there is no definite end to a multiplayer game in which players can constantly battle against new foes online.

Yousuke added in a post on Square Enix's website: "[Games as a service] references game designs that place a strong emphasis on longer-term user engagement. We will also endeavour to develop games designed not to be played once after launch, but that customers can enjoy more and play longer. In so doing, we will increase customer satisfaction and enhance the lifetime value of the games themselves."

As of the time of writing, it is not yet known if Square Enix - whose most popular titles have been story driven, single player role-playing games - will put an end to their single player gameplay all together, or if they will simply begin to implement a multiplayer mode into their future titles.