Devlog #56 - Designing couch co-op
Hi guys!
We’re back with another exciting update on Lost Twins 2! And this time, we’re diving into a feature that many of you have been asking for—couch co-op!
Now, you and a friend can team up, solve puzzles together, and explore the whimsical world of lost and found as a duo. But making co-op a reality wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It was a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and plenty of learning moments. So, how did we bring this feature to life? Let’s take you behind the scenes and share the story of how Lost Twins 2 became an adventure best shared!
From Solo to Co-Op: A Structural Overhaul
When we first set out to build Lost Twins 2, it was designed entirely as a single-player experience. The puzzles, progression, and core mechanics were all built with one player in mind, guiding them through levels in a carefully crafted, linear fashion. But as we brainstormed ways to make the experience even more engaging, one idea kept coming up—couch co-op. And let’s be honest, solving puzzles is always more fun with a friend!
Turning this vision into reality, however, meant reworking the game’s very foundation. We had to redesign core mechanics, rethink puzzle interactions, and adjust level structures to ensure a seamless two-player experience. Every element was put under the microscope to make sure co-op gameplay felt just as intuitive and rewarding as solo play.
Early on, we experimented with both characters moving using the same controls—leading to some hilarious (and chaotic) moments! While the overhaul was no small feat, it opened up new creative possibilities that we hadn’t initially considered, making the game richer and more dynamic than ever.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Old-School Co-Op Controls: A Nostalgic Touch
To make co-op accessible to as many players as possible, we embraced a classic approach to controls. Players can share a single keyboard, with one using WASD and the other using Arrow keys—a setup that brings back memories of old-school co-op games and adds an extra layer of teamwork (and friendly chaos!).
During development, our team had countless laughs testing this setup. Watching teammates huddle around a single keyboard, debating over puzzle solutions and navigating tricky sections together, perfectly captured the collaborative and sometimes chaotic spirit of co-op play.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Seamless Switching: From Co-Op to Solo and Back
One of the most exciting features we implemented is the ability to seamlessly switch between co-op and single-player modes within a level. We didn’t want players to restart just to experience both modes—so whether a friend joins mid-session or steps away, you can switch on the fly!
This feature came with its own set of challenges, from ensuring puzzles remained solvable to handling smooth camera transitions. But after extensive testing, we’re thrilled with how natural and intuitive the experience feels.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Bringing couch co-op to Lost Twins 2 has been an incredible journey. It’s added a whole new dimension to the game—where collaboration and communication are just as important as clever thinking. Watching players laugh, argue, and celebrate victories together has been the ultimate reward for all our hard work.
We can’t wait for you to grab a friend, partner, or sibling and experience the joy of playing together. Whether you’re solving puzzles side by side or seamlessly switching between solo and co-op, we hope this feature brings you as much fun as it brought us during development!
Thank you for your continued support—see you next week!
Best regards ,
Playdew Team
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/
We’re back with another exciting update on Lost Twins 2! And this time, we’re diving into a feature that many of you have been asking for—couch co-op!
Now, you and a friend can team up, solve puzzles together, and explore the whimsical world of lost and found as a duo. But making co-op a reality wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It was a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and plenty of learning moments. So, how did we bring this feature to life? Let’s take you behind the scenes and share the story of how Lost Twins 2 became an adventure best shared!
From Solo to Co-Op: A Structural Overhaul
When we first set out to build Lost Twins 2, it was designed entirely as a single-player experience. The puzzles, progression, and core mechanics were all built with one player in mind, guiding them through levels in a carefully crafted, linear fashion. But as we brainstormed ways to make the experience even more engaging, one idea kept coming up—couch co-op. And let’s be honest, solving puzzles is always more fun with a friend!
Turning this vision into reality, however, meant reworking the game’s very foundation. We had to redesign core mechanics, rethink puzzle interactions, and adjust level structures to ensure a seamless two-player experience. Every element was put under the microscope to make sure co-op gameplay felt just as intuitive and rewarding as solo play.
Early on, we experimented with both characters moving using the same controls—leading to some hilarious (and chaotic) moments! While the overhaul was no small feat, it opened up new creative possibilities that we hadn’t initially considered, making the game richer and more dynamic than ever.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Old-School Co-Op Controls: A Nostalgic Touch
To make co-op accessible to as many players as possible, we embraced a classic approach to controls. Players can share a single keyboard, with one using WASD and the other using Arrow keys—a setup that brings back memories of old-school co-op games and adds an extra layer of teamwork (and friendly chaos!).
During development, our team had countless laughs testing this setup. Watching teammates huddle around a single keyboard, debating over puzzle solutions and navigating tricky sections together, perfectly captured the collaborative and sometimes chaotic spirit of co-op play.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Seamless Switching: From Co-Op to Solo and Back
One of the most exciting features we implemented is the ability to seamlessly switch between co-op and single-player modes within a level. We didn’t want players to restart just to experience both modes—so whether a friend joins mid-session or steps away, you can switch on the fly!
This feature came with its own set of challenges, from ensuring puzzles remained solvable to handling smooth camera transitions. But after extensive testing, we’re thrilled with how natural and intuitive the experience feels.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Bringing couch co-op to Lost Twins 2 has been an incredible journey. It’s added a whole new dimension to the game—where collaboration and communication are just as important as clever thinking. Watching players laugh, argue, and celebrate victories together has been the ultimate reward for all our hard work.
We can’t wait for you to grab a friend, partner, or sibling and experience the joy of playing together. Whether you’re solving puzzles side by side or seamlessly switching between solo and co-op, we hope this feature brings you as much fun as it brought us during development!
Thank you for your continued support—see you next week!
Best regards ,
Playdew Team
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/