The Evolution of Co-Ops: Alternative Ways to Play with Other Gamers
Co-ops have long been a staple fixture of the video games industry. Working in unison to complete tasks and overcome obstacles is not only possible but popular across the community. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore PlayStation gamer battling with Joe and Mac, or someone who likes to play casually via a smartphone, there are plenty of co-op games out there.
In fact, there are probably more games out there than you realize. The video gaming community might be a stronghold for co-ops, but the collaborative dynamic has spread to other parts of the industry. Casino gaming is one of the best examples of how cooperation can lead to better experiences.
Communal Contributions Make Betting Better
Source: Pixabay
The growth of these community aspects can be seen at major online casinos. Take, for example, Mr Q Casino UK. This online gaming site features 200+ games, many of which are slot machines. You place a bet, spin the reels, and, if enough symbols match, you win a prize. These games have become hugely popular since the advent of online casino gaming in the late nineties. Such is their popularity that you can now play community-based games, otherwise known as progressive jackpot slots. Players at Mr Q can spin the reels of progressive slots such as Mega Moolah and become part of a community. It’s a community in the sense that a small percentage of everyone’s bet goes into a communal prize pool.
This prize pool is available to every player and, because everyone is contributing to it, its value constantly increases. In fact, its value keeps increasing until someone hits the jackpot. This dynamic can result in players winning significant sums of money. However, what’s most interesting from a gaming perspective is the co-op dynamic.
Meta Making Co-Ops Immersive
Source: Pixabay
Developers such as Playtech have harnessed the power of communal contributions to make their slots even more engaging. This is something we’re also starting to see in the virtual reality (VR) sector. We can dial it back and connect the evolution of virtual reality gaming to the Nintendo Wii. People physically swinging controllers and working together was fun and, now, VR hardware such as Oculus Rift is taking this dynamic to a new level.
Perhaps the biggest boon for VR technology, particularly with regards to co-op games, is the Metaverse. Although it’s still in an embryonic stage, the Metaverse is about creating digital worlds where people can connect. Horizon Worlds from Meta (formerly Facebook) is a great example of this. Once inside the virtual world, players work together to explore different environments and solve puzzles.
What’s even more impressive about Horizon Worlds is the fact it isn’t just about gaming. There’s a real social element to the game and that’s something the unison between VR and the Metaverse is bringing to the fore. That’s great news for fans of co-op games. Yes, the video games sector is where you’ll find the best co-ops. However, if you step outside of the community, you’ll find plenty of alternative ways to connect and interact with other gamers.