Except there are many things that can be done without groups and more games add functionality to accomplish this (comparing FFXI at launch and today, for instance). Multiplayer could also simply refer to the fact that multiple people are playing this game at the same time, which would fit better with the first statement.

If a game wanted to force multiplayer, they should do it from the start and just not allow doing things solo. Then, you’re right, I simply wouldn’t play that game.