I don't play anything competitively. So anything that is just multiplayer and not co-op, is lost on me. Though for cooperative games, I much MUCH prefer to have them in the same room. Split screens can be done really well, especially these days with bigger TVs. Games like Resident Evil 5 or Hunted: Demon Forge, where they don't just split the screen. They keep the aspect ratio, and just put two same-size screens askew of one-another, with HUD info filling in the empty spaces on the sides. I don't trust the internet enough to have much fun playing long-distances, though when it works, it's alright. Seems very mechanical and impersonal though. I think the optimum route is probably local LAN when available. But it's pretty rare to get that set up. But it's awesome when you can. Everyone gets full screens, and is within hitting distance if they mess up :P