Designing for Connection: A Case Study of Game Mechanics and Design Features in It Takes Two and Overcooked! 2 that Foster Social Interaction and Relationship Building in Co-located Play

Ziyi Wang

This study explores the game mechanics and design features in It Takes Two and Overcooked! 2 that can potentially enhance social interaction and relationship building. The mechanisms and features in both games are different. It Takes Two mainly incorporates narrative-driven cooperation while overcooked!2 relies on task-driven chaos. However, there is limited comparative research examining how the specific game mechanics and design elements in It Takes Two and Overcooked!2 impacts social interaction and relationship building. This study brightens the gap through comprehensive case studies. The author recorded gameplay videos and analyzed them using Formal Gameplay Analysis, Interaction Mapping, Integrative Analysis, and Comparative Analysis. It identifies effective game mechanics, such as cooperative character control and synchronized action, and design features, including story-driven cooperation and split-screen perspective, that can enhance social interaction. By addressing these mechanics and design features, this research aims to provide insights for designing co-located multiplayer games that promote positive social experiences and strengthen player relationships.