This study investigates how linear and nonlinear level designs inspire game flow in cooperative gameplay through a close reading analysis. The research focuses on It Takes Two, a highly successful cooperative game with compelling and unusual combination of game elements that enhance the cooperative experience. Employing a close reading methodology, the study examines the reciprocal relationship between game mechanics and game flow, considering elements such as cooperation mechanics, task structures, and guidance within levels. The analysis utilizes Sweetser and Wyeth's (2005) eight elements of flow to evaluate the game flow in cooperative scenes. By exploring the interaction patterns, mechanics design, and player experiences, the study offers insights into the impact of level design on cooperative gameplay in relationship with flow for designing engaging cooperative experiences. The findings contribute to the understanding of how different level designs shape game flow in cooperative games.

Denna rapport går igenom utvecklingen av spelet Metal in Your Brain som skickas in som ett bidrag till Swedish Game Awards (SGA), nordens största spelutvecklar-tävling och hur den artificiella intelligensen är uppbyggd och funktionerar. Den artificiella intelligensen är konstruerad på två sätt: fuzzy logic som står bakom de handlingar som en icke spelande karaktär (NPC) tar beroende på vilken situation den befinner sig i och A*-sökning som används för att en NPC ska kunna söka sig fram till ett mål och ta den kortaste vägen eller fly från spelaren för att gömma sig bakom närmsta skydd. Metal in Your Brain är ett 2D top-down shooter för Windowsdatorer där man tillsammans med två andra spelare ska överleva en rad vågor av fiender och möjligen samtidigt utföra ett antal uppdrag beroende på vilken bana det är. / This report reviews the development of the game Metal inYour Brain that will be submitted to Swedish Game Awards (SGA), Scandinavia's largest game developer competition and how the artificial intelligence is structured and functions. The artificial intelligence is constructed in two ways: fuzzy logic that decides the actions for a non-player character (NPC) will take depending on the situation it find itself in, and A * search that is used for a NPC to be able to seek out a goal and take the shortest route to get there or flee from the player and take cover behind the nearest shelter. Metal In Your Brain is a 2D top-down shooter for Windows computers where you, together with two other players aim to survive a series of waves of enemies and possibly simultaneously perform a number of tasks depending on what level one is at. 1