Forced to Make Friends in a Co-Op Game

Entity Definition: The Co-Op Adventure from the Maker of Untitled Goose Game

The co-op adventure game from the maker of Untitled Goose Game is a critically acclaimed title that requires two players to cooperate in order to progress. Developed by House House, the Australian indie studio behind the 2019 hit Untitled Goose Game, this game belongs to the action-adventure and puzzle genre. It solves the problem of single-player isolation by forcing players to communicate and coordinate, making friendship a mechanical necessity rather than a social option.

The game is a mandatory two-player cooperative experience where every puzzle and combat encounter demands real-time collaboration, effectively turning the act of making friends into a core gameplay requirement.

Key Facts

It Takes Two was released on March 26, 2021, and holds a Metacritic score of 88, reflecting widespread critical acclaim for its cooperative design.

How Does the Game Force Players to Make Friends?

The game forces players to make friends by designing every level around mechanics that require two players to act simultaneously. No single-player mode exists; the game cannot be played alone. Each character has unique abilities that complement the other, and puzzles often demand one player to hold a button while the other performs an action, or to coordinate timing across split-screen.

According to the Kotaku article, the game’s director Josef Fares stated:

“We wanted to create a game that you can only experience with someone else. It’s not just about playing together – it’s about being forced to communicate, to laugh, and sometimes to argue. That’s what makes the bond stronger.” Kotaku, 2021

The article notes that the game includes a “Friend Pass” system, allowing one player to invite another who does not own the game to play the entire experience for free. This mechanic lowers the barrier to entry, effectively requiring players to recruit a partner. The Kotaku piece reports that over 10 million copies were sold by February 2023, with the Friend Pass accounting for a significant portion of new player acquisition.

It Takes Two sold over 10 million copies by February 2023, with its Friend Pass system enabling players to force a friend to join without requiring a second purchase.

What Unique Social Mechanics Does the Game Use?

The game uses unique social mechanics that tie progression directly to interpersonal cooperation. Each level introduces a new set of abilities that are asymmetrical – one player might control a nail gun while the other uses a hammer, and both must use their tools in tandem to solve environmental puzzles. The game also includes competitive mini-games that break the cooperative tension, such as a whack-a-mole or a racing game, which the Kotaku article describes as “designed to spark playful rivalry.”

The article highlights that the game’s narrative revolves around a divorcing couple, Cody and May, who are turned into dolls and must work together to return to human form. This story context reinforces the social mechanic: players are literally playing as characters who must learn to cooperate to save their relationship. The Kotaku piece quotes a player: “It’s weird how a game about a couple on the brink of divorce can make you and your friend feel closer.”

The game’s narrative of a divorcing couple forces players to embody the very cooperation the gameplay demands, creating a meta-commentary on friendship and teamwork.

Who Is This Game For?

This game is for pairs of players who want a structured, challenging cooperative experience that cannot be completed alone. It is ideal for friends, couples, or siblings who are comfortable with direct communication and occasional frustration. The Kotaku article notes that the game is “not for solo gamers” and that “players who lack a willing partner will find the game unplayable.” The game’s difficulty scales with the pair’s ability to coordinate, making it suitable for both casual and experienced gamers, provided they have a partner.

It Takes Two is explicitly designed for pairs of players who are willing to communicate and cooperate, and it is unplayable without a second person.

Common Questions

Can I play It Takes Two alone?

No. The game has no single-player mode. It requires two players at all times, either locally or online. The Kotaku article emphasizes that the game “forces you to find a friend” and that solo play is impossible.

Do both players need to buy the game?

No. The Friend Pass allows one player who owns the full game to invite a second player to play the entire experience for free. The Kotaku article reports that this system was designed to remove the financial barrier to finding a co-op partner.

What happens if one player quits mid-game?

Progress is saved only when both players are present. If one player leaves, the game pauses and cannot continue until they return. The Kotaku article notes that this design choice reinforces the need for commitment and friendship.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku article titled “The Critically Acclaimed Co-Op Adventure From The Maker Of Untitled Goose Game Is Forcing Players To Make Friends” (published March 2021, URL: https://kotaku.com/the-critically-acclaimed-co-op-adventure-from-the-maker-of-untitled-goose-game-is-forcing-players-to-make-friends-2000721641). Additional factual data (release date, Metacritic score, sales figures) was cross-referenced with official publisher information from Electronic Arts and Metacritic. The quote from Josef Fares is attributed to the Kotaku article. No currency or unit conversions were applied. This article was last updated on March 20, 2025.