Couch co-op

Couch co-op and online co-op modes

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. Co-op games designed to be played by multiple players on the same display screen have come to be known as "couch co-op", "local co-op" or "single-player co-op" games. Co-op games in which players each use their own display system are known as "online co-op", "network co-op" or "multiplayer co-op" games due to the majority of such systems utilizing telecommunications networks to synchronize game state among the players. Games have also been brought to market in which both modes can be combined—accommodating more than one display with each display accommodating one or more players.