Whenever we think about how the video game medium is unique, it never fails that we talk about it being interactive. We always discuss how the player can change the game. However, another unique aspect of video games is the fact that other players can inhabit that same space and have an effect on the game as well. Sure, a film can be consumed by multiple people at once, but we’re all seeing the same thing, and the only way that you’re going to have an effect on my viewing is by annoying me while you dig for popcorn. Video games are different, though. With video games, two players can be in the same world, go off in two completely different directions, and have two totally different experiences, all to create one shared experience. Yet, we rarely see this happen in games. My question is why not? Why don’t we see more games have their co-op component be built from the ground up for a co-op experience, instead of a single player experience played by two people?
To look at these ideas, it’s best that we look at games that take the wrong approach. My main example is Gears of War. Here we have a game that’s story was built around a single player. Now, I know that some of you are already protesting, but stay with me. The player runs around the levels mostly with his squad mates, gets into gun fights, and then moves on to the next area. It’s very linear, and that’s fine. There are times where the squad has to split up, but your teammates are always just in the next room. Now, there is tactical advantage to playing with a friend, I will concede that, but essentially we just have a single player game that can be played by two people. Never in the game will your friend have to run to a completely different part of the map and tackle a different objective while you stay and fight off the attack. The experience is fundamentally the same whether you play it by yourself or with a friend.
So, what’s wrong with that? Well, nothing, I guess. But, that’s just like asking what’s wrong with telling an entire story through cut scenes. Technically nothing is wrong, but we’re just letting this amazing medium sit here and go to waste, and it’s a shame. With some more creative thinking, and with increasing technology, I think that co-op centric games could become a viable game type in the future.
The next logical step is looking at how we fix it. To me, the obvious answer is to start looking at co-op experiences completely differently. We need to separate characters as much as possible and figure out how to interweave the separate experiences into one cohesive experience. This is something that can’t be done effectively in any other medium. Sure, you and your friend could takes turns watching each chapter of a dvd, but you still wouldn’t be getting a cohesive story. By separating the players, each character can then be developed on their ow, instead of just developing the relationship between the two. That is a large problem with a lot of co-op experiences. The characters are really just developed as one, and it doesn’t really matter who you play as because they seem interchangeable. It would also be interesting to have your partner affect the game world that you are in while you don’t even have a clue where he is.
I don’t want to sound too crazy here; I don’t think that the characters should be apart the entire time. I’ll be perfectly honest; it’s a lot of fun kicking ass with a friend beside you. But, why is it, in single player games, side characters seem to disappear all the time and don’t meet back up with you for at least an hour, yet we can’t seem to be apart in co-op games for more than five minutes? I think the contrasting elements would make the players enjoy each of these times more as well. As Cinderella (the band) put it, “You don’t know what you got, till it’s gone.”
Now, there are inherent problems with this idea. To start, it may be extremely complicated to develop. Each step of the process would be like creating three separate games. There is Character A, Character B, and the overall story. This is just a matter of putting in the work. The other problem is that everything would almost have to be online, and not everybody has online access. People could set up a LAN, but that’s just inconvenient. Also, coordinating with your friends to play could be a pain in the ass. These are all problems that can be overcome; it’s really just a matter of whether or not they will be. We know that in the future we will all have high speed Internet, but finding the time may still be a problem. Unless I complete my time machine soon, then we should all be fine.
Co-op gaming has the potential to be a very exciting part of the video game future. It could build the portfolio of things that video games can do that no other medium can. Yet, we continue to squander it by making it just a tack-on feature in single player games. We have seen glimmers of hope. Left 4 Dead does some interesting co-op things and was made to be played with friends. Many squad-based shooters are made to be played with others. Yet, I still argue that these are the same fundamental experience if played solo. Will we ever see games developed that give players a separate and shared experience? I don’t know, but if we do, it will be time for me to make some friends.