Amy Jo Kim, Ph.D ©2014 All Rights Reserved
The Co-op Revolution7 Rules for Collaborative Game Design
What is a game?
a system in which players engage in an artificial
conflict, defined by rules, that results in a quantifiable outcome*
* Source: Rules of Play
Zero-Sum Game
We are opponents
I Win You Lose
Head-to-Head Battles War Simulations
Rank-Ordered Competitions Gambling
Here’s Another Kind of Game
a structured experience with rules
and goals that’s fun to play together** Source: The Player’s Journey (forthcoming)
We are partners
Non-Zero-Sum Game
Win-WinLose-Lose
Martial Arts Charity Walk
Double Dutch Pictionary
Three Disruptive Trendsre-shaping the gaming industry
Why Should We Care?
Trend #1: Ubiquitous Connected Devices
platform disruption
Source: DFC Global
In 2014, PC revenue surpassed console
Source: Digi-Captial Global Games Investment Review
All growth in general-purpose devices
Audience disruption
Trend #2: Mainstream, all-ages players
93% of kids 8-13 play games online
women 55+ fastest-growing Facebook demo
Source: M2 ResearchSource: Inside Facebook
Trend #3: mutual entertainment / UGC
Content disruption
where is the Blue Ocean in this
shifting landscape?
winning
Together
Battle Zombie Hoards Together
Fight-n-Heal Together
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesSolve Puzzles Together
Explore Ancient Ruins Together
Make Music Together
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesBuild Virtual Cities Together
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesDo Real-World Science Together
Fund a Game Together
“In first week of 2014, $400k paid out content creators”Source: Valve
Create an Economy Together
The Co-op Revolution is Here*
*it’s just not evenly distributed
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
Tackle protein-folding science puzzles
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesSurvive the Night to Learn the Basics
Join Forces to Fund a Project
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Shared Outcomes
3D puzzles in 2-player co-op
Shared Score in 2-Player Co-op
Self-organized Puzzle-Solving Team
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Create Shared Outcomes
3. Inter-dependant Roles
Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals
Fighters & Healers
Dedicated Players earn ability to judge & punish bad behavior
Judges & Enforcers
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challenges
Expert players fill community curation & leadership roles
Writers & Editors
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Shared Outcomes
3. Inter-dependant Roles
4. Co-op Social Gestures
Mutual Recharging
Coordinated Movements
Kudos for Teamwork
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Shared Outcomes
3. Inter-dependant Roles
4. Co-op Social Gestures
5. Shared Resources
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesShared (Mutable) Environment
Shared SuperPowers
If you’re near someone you both fly longer & further
Remixable Action Figures
If your friend comes over, you can re-mix pieces
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Shared Outcomes
3. Inter-dependant Roles
4. Co-op Social Gestures
5. Shared Resources
6. Non-Zero Stats & Spotlights
Collective Achievement
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesTopical Spotlights
progress badges earned by a group, rather than individuals
Clan Emblems
Medic Achievement
Earned during 4-player co-op if you revive everyone
7 Rules for Co-op Design1. Compete with the System
2. Shared Goals & Outcomes
3. Inter-dependant Roles
4. Co-op Social Gestures
5. Shared Resources
6. Non-Zero Stats & Spotlights
7. User-generated Content
addictive streams of bite-size content
Regulars need fresh content/activities/challengesSkyscapers & Cities to Explore
Don’t need to play the game to see the results – thanks, YouTube!
Player-created Items to purchase
earn $$ by creating in-game wearables
Creative Videos to Watch
Once upon a time...
... a girl had a transformative experience...
... and they played happily ever after
Not everyone is motivated by
zero-sum emotions
Games shape how we see the world
Seize the opportunity
Think Co-op First
Team Co-op
Dan Cook@danctheduck
Michael Molinari@OneMrBean
Chelsea Howe@manojalpa
Amy Jo Kim@amyjokim
Sandie Richards@sandierichards
shout-out to my co-conspirators