by Mehreen Zahid, Contributing Author
Introduction
“Overcooked” is a popular cooperative game where players take on the roles of chefs working together in a variety of kitchens to prepare, cook, and serve food to customers within a set time limit. The gameplay involves coordinating tasks such as chopping ingredients, cooking dishes, washing dishes, and delivering completed meals, all while navigating increasingly challenging kitchen environments. Cooperative gaming, or co-op gaming, refers to a style of gameplay where players work together toward a common goal rather than compete against each other. In co-op games, players team up to tackle challenges, complete missions, and solve puzzles. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the rise of co-op gaming, as lockdowns and limited social contact led players to seek social interaction through online platforms. Since then, co-op gaming has continued to grow in popularity, with 2023 marking a record-breaking year for the number of co-op games released on Steam, a popular online gaming platform.
Why is cooperative gaming considered a positive trend? For one, during the pandemic, it provided a safe way to socialize. Players could connect with friends and talk in real time using headsets, engaging with people they knew as well as meeting new friends from across the world. Co-op gaming also teaches children that games can be enjoyable and rewarding when multiple people work toward a common goal, rather than focusing solely on competition.
Cooperative video games can also decrease aggressive behavior. Over the last decade, numerous studies have examined how competitive video games can affect aggression in adolescents. For example, a study conducted in China found that even non-violent video games can promote aggression if they are competitive in nature. Social media is filled with videos of siblings yelling at their gaming consoles and TVs, often shared for humor, but these moments highlight how competitive games can lead to frustration and aggression.
Therefore, the shift towards co-op gaming can be beneficial for gamers, as it promotes teamwork and collaboration over a win-or-lose mindset. By fostering cooperative play, co-op games can encourage positive social interaction and reduce the emphasis on competition.
TLDR
Cooperative gaming, or co-op gaming, involves players working together toward a common goal rather than competing against each other. It gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for people to socialize safely online, and it has continued to grow since then. Co-op gaming teaches that games can be fun without competition, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. Studies have shown that competitive games, even when non-violent, can increase aggression in adolescents, so the rise of co-op gaming is seen as a positive shift towards reducing aggressive behavior and fostering positive social interactions.
Tips for Clinicians & Parents
1. Encourage Co-op Gaming for Positive Social Interaction: Highlight the benefits of cooperative gaming, such as teamwork, communication, and shared goals. Ask your children if there are any co-op games that have piqued their interest lately.
2. Explore Co-op Games Together: Take the time to play a co-op game with your child, even if it’s a board game over a video game. This is a great way to show interest in their hobbies while educating parents about current gaming content.
3. Set Boundaries on Gaming Time: While co-op gaming has many benefits, it's still important to set healthy boundaries around screen time. Encourage breaks, physical activity, and a balanced schedule that includes other activities.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
· Increased critical thinking and problem solving
· Safe socialization
· Reduced aggression
Cons:
· Screen time concerns
· Online risks of harassment/unkind players
· Content and age appropriateness
Relevant Links
Short-Term Effects of Competitive Video Games on Aggression: An Event-Related Potential Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295870/
Co-op games accounted for nearly 40% of all games sold on Steam in 2023, and their popularity continues to grow:
https://gameworldobserver.com/2024/07/03/co-op-game-sales-records-steam-vg-insights-report
The Case for Cooperative Games: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-homework-myth/202202/the-case-cooperative-games
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