Dead Space 3 producer Steve Papoutsis took some time out to have a chat with the European PS Blog about the game and especially its co-op, which isn't just about replacing an AI bot with a human player.
"We’re not doing competitive multiplayer this time – we’ve done that – but it was a big help in us understanding how to build an online game. With our co-op we wanted to make sure that whatever we did felt unique. We didn’t just want to have an AI bot follow the player around and then when you hit a button someone starts controlling that guy. That wouldn’t feel like Dead Space," he said.
"The other challenge was creating a co-op mode that felt additive to the experience. You don't have to play it – you can play Dead Space 3 in single player and it plays out in very similar way to what you've experienced in the past."
Papoutsis added that the game isn't relying on co-op to tell a story about Isaac. Instead it's about getting to know John Carver, the new guy who has been introduced in a recent graphic novel.
"You’re not missing out on anything. The multiplayer is additive. If you’re playing single player you’re choosing to have that solitary Isaac experience. If you’re interested in learning about Carver, you’re playing with a friend and you’re getting that additive information, but it’s not changing the end of the story. It’s impacting Carver’s story." said Papoutsis.