Years after its debut on Steam, one of the best roguelike games that’s inspired hundreds of competitors is on the verge of launching an online multiplayer mode. When it comes to the impact individual games have had on a genre, it’s difficult to undersell the importance of The Binding of Isaac. The top-down roguelike was instrumental in breathing life back into a genre that was close to being forgotten entirely and without its popularity, alongside similar hits like Rogue Legacy and Spelunky, it’s doubtful that games of its ilk would be as big as they are now.
Over on Reddit, The Binding of Isaac creator Edmund McMillen confirmed that the release of the long-awaited online multiplayer update is slated for November 2024, finally providing a launch window.
McMillen specifically stated that the patch is meant to go live ahead of the 10-year anniversary of The Binding Isaac: Rebirth, meaning it should drop before November 4. Announced back in 2023, the massive patch is set to transform how the Isaac community plays the game; local multiplayer has been a feature for years now but the ability to play with distant friends is a massive upgrade.
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The Binding Of Isaac Continues To Be A Powerhouse
A Consistent Roguelike
The Binding of Isaac is already one of the most popular games in the genre, sporting thousands of players on Steam every day, but McMillen may have even more plans for the title. Beyond the online multiplayer update, the developer has noted that there are a couple more things on his future to-do list, even though he’s also insisted that he intends to wind down development on Isaac. The nature of these supposed patches remains to be seen but his willingness to grow the game even further is commendable.
McMillen’s dedication to The Binding of Isaac is often described as “Terraria-like” by the game’s community with many poking fun at his inability to walk away. The description is a reference to fellow indie developer Re-Logic which insisted for years that it was working on the final update for Terraria only to eventually reveal a follow-up. While many may joke that the developer simply doesn’t know when to stop working on Isaac, everyone is always very appreciative of all the additional content.
The Binding of Isaac is an excellent example of a roguelike game that’s layered with unprecedented depth while also being inviting for new players. Easy to learn but difficult to master, bringing a friend with some experience on the journey can be the difference between a good run and a great run. Fortunately, come November, that buddy can simply hop into a game through Steam.
Source: Edmund McMillen/Reddit
