Co-op Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Co-op Gaming.
Latest coverage
In An Unaffordable World, The Future Is Friendslop
The rising cost of gaming is making affordable, social co-op titles, often termed 'friendslop,' increasingly popular. These games are typically priced under $10, mechanically simple, and designed for group play, making them accessible and appealing in an expensive market. Developers are focusing on lower hardware requirements and physics-based interactions to create memorable experiences for players on a budget.
“Friendslop” Sounds Like An Insult. What Do Developers Think?
The term "friendslop," used to describe co-op games with low mechanical complexity and high social interaction, is a subject of debate among developers. While some find it demeaning, many developers are coming to accept or even embrace the label, recognizing its utility in describing a popular game style, despite potential negative connotations.
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: Onimusha: Way of the Sword, with a huge A1 poster and Top 100 games…
PC Gamer magazine's latest issue features an exclusive preview of Capcom's upcoming action sword-fighting game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, including hands-on gameplay and interviews with developers. The issue also includes a supplement detailing the top 100 PC games, a poster for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and features on co-op games and other previews and reviews.
Big Walk devs talk the Australian bush and friendslop: 'I'd prefer the second word wasn't slop'
Developers at House House discuss the term 'friendslop' used to categorize co-op games, with Nico Disseldorp expressing a preference for more thoughtful descriptions. The team also revealed that Big Walk's environment is directly inspired by Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, Australia, with Jake Strasser detailing the use of LIDAR data and on-site inspiration.
Big Walk has dethroned Forza Horizon 6 as top rated game of 2026
The indie game Big Walk has claimed the top spot as the highest-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic, surpassing titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Mina The Hollower. Launched on August 4 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, Big Walk's PC version currently holds a score of 94 based on 19 reviews. The article also notes other contenders and the lowest-rated games of the year so far.
Big Walk simulates the strange, childlike sensation of being unexpectedly separated from your friends, and the joy and relief of finding your way back
Big Walk simulates the childlike sensation of being separated from friends and the joy of reunion through its unique proximity-based multiplayer. The game emphasizes close communication, where even minor terrain can cause players to lose contact, mirroring real-life experiences of isolation. This focus on communication and exploration, combined with environmental puzzles and a slow-burn design, creates a distinct co-op experience.
The Friendslop Genre Needs A New Name
The article argues that the term "friendslop" is reductive and inaccurate for games like Big Walk, which offer thoughtful, calming experiences rather than chaotic, low-effort gameplay. It suggests alternative names like "bro-ops" and discusses how the "friendslop" label can unfairly pigeonhole and misrepresent well-designed indie co-op titles.
Big Walk is a COVID game about nothing (and everything)
Big Walk is a new co-op puzzle game from House House, creators of Untitled Goose Game, designed as a direct response to the isolation of COVID-19 lockdowns. The game emphasizes communication and collaboration among friends using proximity voice chat to overcome deliberately ambiguous challenges on an unnamed island. It is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
How to build an Xbox game night for every kind of player
This guide provides advice on hosting a successful Xbox game night for players of all skill levels and preferences. It emphasizes selecting a variety of games, structuring the evening in rounds, and accommodating both active players and spectators. The article also touches on practical tips like food choices, room setup, and utilizing services like Game Pass.
6 Heist and Crime Games Before GTA 6 | TAG
This article provides a list of six heist and crime games to play while anticipating Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights titles like Payday 2, Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine, The Outlast Trials, A Way Out, Hitman World of Assassination, and Teardown, detailing their co-op or solo gameplay, length, and platform availability. The guide also offers recommendations based on player preferences and available time, with a focus on games where heists are the central experience.
Helldivers 2 is adding new war campaigns and full ship customization, to offer "more valuable upgrades for every kind of player"
Arrowhead Game Studios is introducing significant updates to Helldivers 2, including new Galactic War Campaigns and full Super Destroyer ship customization. Game Director Mikael Ariksson detailed plans for more valuable upgrades and persistent progression elements to address player feedback. These updates aim to offer more meaningful choices for all player types and will be rolled out progressively.
Peak boss doesn't mind us calling it friendslop: 'Why not make a game where the point is to hang out with your…
Aggro Crab studio head Nick Kaman discusses the term 'friendslop,' a label for inexpensive co-op games focused on social interaction. Kaman embraces the term, seeing it as a useful descriptor for a genre that gained prominence following COVID-19, with games like Peak, Among Us, and Lethal Company facilitating social connections through gameplay.
Switch 2 Co-Op Picks for Couples Without a Shared TV | TAG
This guide highlights six Nintendo Switch 2 co-op games suitable for couples who play together but rarely share a screen. It categorizes recommendations based on different playing scenarios, such as schedule mismatches, travel, or playing in separate rooms, emphasizing games that work well with each player using their own device.
10 Co-Op Games Couples Actually Finish Together (2026) | TAG
This article highlights ten co-op games suitable for couples, focusing on titles that can be completed within a reasonable timeframe, typically 10 to 25 hours. It categorizes games based on player skill levels and preferences, offering options for mixed-skill pairs, experienced gamers, and those new to the medium. The list includes titles like It Takes Two, Split Fiction, Unravel Two, and Portal 2, emphasizing games that promote shared experiences and achievable endings.
The Best Online Multiplayer Games to Play With Friends in 2026 | Invision Game Community
This guide highlights the best online multiplayer games available in 2026, catering to various playstyles including cooperative, competitive, and party experiences. Titles like Deep Rock Galactic, Helldivers 2, Rocket League, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Jackbox Party Pack, Among Us, Minecraft, and Elden Ring are recommended for groups seeking engaging gameplay and social interaction.
Get some fun games to play with friends in the Fanatical Crazy Co-op Bundle
Fanatical has launched the Crazy Co-op Bundle, allowing customers to build their own collection of co-op games at discounted prices. Players can purchase 3, 5, or 7+ games, with prices decreasing based on the number of titles selected. Notable games available in the bundle include PEAK, Content Warning, BallisticNG, and Bang-On Balls: Chronicles.
The Age-by-Age Guide to Gaming With Your Kids (Ages 4 to 14) | TAG
This guide provides age-appropriate video game recommendations for children aged 4 to 14, focusing on games that foster shared experiences between parents and kids. It highlights games with features like simplified controls, invincibility options, and clear feedback loops, emphasizing the importance of adjusting difficulty and letting children lead the gameplay.
Best Co-Op Games on Switch 2: Play Together Anywhere (2026)
The Nintendo Switch 2 excels as a local multiplayer device, offering a strong library of co-op games. This guide highlights must-play titles like Mario Kart World and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, alongside excellent co-op experiences such as It Takes Two and Split Fiction. The Switch 2 also benefits from backward compatibility with the original Switch's extensive co-op catalog.
Devolver Digital Brings Three New Co-op Games to Gamescom Latam | HappyGamer
Devolver Digital announced it will showcase three new co-op titles at Gamescom Latam in Brazil: Heave Ho 2, Dark Scrolls, and Shroom and Gloom. Heave Ho 2 is a sequel to the popular physics-based party game, while Dark Scrolls is an action platformer and Shroom and Gloom is a cooperative deckbuilder. The publisher aims to highlight games designed around shared struggle and victory, catering to the growing Latin American gaming market.
Hela: of Mice & Magic – Cozy Adventure Gets Perfect New Name for 2026
Knights Peak and Windup Games have renamed their cozy adventure game to Hela: of Mice & Magic, emphasizing the bond between a witch and her mouse familiars. The game, which won 'Most Entertaining' and 'Most Wholesome' at gamescom 2025, features a unique magic system and collaborative co-op gameplay. Hela: of Mice & Magic is set to launch in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
