A cooperative video game, often abbreviated as co-op, is a game that allows players to work together as teammates, usually against one or more non-player character opponents. Co-op games can be played locally using one or multiple input controllers or over a network via local area networks, wide area networks, or the Internet. They have gained popularity as controller and networking technology has developed, and are available in various genres, including shooter games, sports games, real-time strategy games, and massively multiplayer online games
. The goal of co-op games is to reduce emphasis on competition and increase emphasis on the social aspects of play or sport. They can be played locally on the same system or remotely between systems using a network connection
