Five Ways to Design Collaborative Games
Five Ways to Design Collaborative Games
Five Ways to Design Collaborative Games
By Terry Pearce
June 20, 2020
Summary
If we don't have that simple crutch to reach for - 'who can do the thing better/faster?' - how can we design collaborative mechanics and player journeys? Here are five ways.
Not just co-operative boardgames and 'co-op modes' on computer games: party or 'parlour' games, word games, 'car' games and children's games too.
Many such games can be thought of as collaborative puzzle-solving.
Some collaborative games may challenge the definition of games.
Once we start to look around for inspiration, we find patterns in ways effective games often do it.
The most collaborative games are often ones where the shared objective is central to gameplay.
The best 'beat the game' games often nudge or force co-operation.
Many great collaborative games allow for this, not making every contribution come from the same place.
Games with separate roles like Dungeons & Dragons, Rock Band and Codenames do this well, as do options with many different ways to play effectively and enjoyably, like Minecraft or Consequences.
No plan survives contact with reality, and that holds absolutely true for games and game design.
Reference
Pearce, T. (2020, June 20). Five Ways to Design Collaborative Games. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://www.ludogogy.co.uk/article/five-ways-to-design-collaborative-games/