Now onto “other things”:

I think the high level of bias that “ everything is better with friends” shouldn’t obscure the “truer” or more accurate nature of a games content or it’s experience.
If games like Destiny and the Division which are frequently repetitious, dull and grind ridden affairs that generally don’t satisfy in the gameplay department( from my play and what I’ve heard) in single player or multi/co-op with strangers, then why is the MOST biased “better with friends” experiences – with nearly the exact same content – are too often treated as the most representative aspect of such games like we keep seeing in conversations and review/scores.
Why would a game that relies so heavy on friendship bias get so much points for and credit for our friendships ? We built up our friends relationships over many years, and not the latest game that came along. Yes games can and do build relationships, and bring people together, I just would like a more objective look than the throwaway line of “ everything is better with friends”

Some notable games in my multi experience:

I have played more then 2000 hours ( actually I’ve lost count ) of Mario Kart 64 with friends on the couch. I gave it a 6.5 out of 10.

I have played countless hours of Halo 2 online – 7/10.

I have played Wii Sports with friends and family for a lot of fun and laughs in the short term. 5.5/10.
I reflect the game itself, as well as the examined multi experience.

I don’t play much multi anymore, not only because most of my friends quit games due to having families, but because too many multi-players games don’t satisfy with gameplay anymore.

Generally I know that the more cynical of Publishers and developers are really relying on exploiting that friendship bias when gaming ( Not necessarily the friendship itself, but often the bias that comes with it when playing games ). Hell, I’d even say that Destiny and the Division rely on it, And this gen has SUFFERED more with that aspect then any in the past.
Comparing Destiny combat encounters to Bungies Halo’s games is impossible. It’s pure insanity to try to argue that Destiny has better. But you never hear about that do you ? The great AI from Bungie Halo’s Elite enemies from over 10 years ago are now ignored for poorer gameplay and AI in the crappy Destiny because why…?” it’s funner with friends!!!!!! “. “You get better loot”… And publishers know this.
It’s a trend that really worries me.

I know that often the funniest way to play a game is with friends, and many games are intended as multiplayer, and that should NOT be ignored, is valid, and should be included in the conversation. What I’m saying is that even thought it is mentioned that ‘x game is better with friends’, I think that the nature of the game itself is much more deserving of criticism then were getting.
Being positive about a games aspect, shouldn’t override the negative parts.