The single-player nature of the original Dead Space and its sequel proved too scary for some gamers, says EA Games, hence the reason co-op was introduced for Dead Space 3.
According to marketing head Laura Miele, research conducted by the publishing behemoth indicates that many players would have rather experienced Dead Space with a partner – thus, co-op was created for the third instalment in the sci-fi horror franchise.
However, Miele quickly moved to flatten any fears that the horror aspect of the series will suffer as a result of co-op play.
"We were hearing feedback that they love the thriller game, but it was pretty scary, and the obvious next step was that they wanted to play with someone. So we introduced co-op into the game," she told MCV.
"The horror of Dead Space is still all there. It’s still true to its roots and no less scary, but people felt far more comfortable playing it with someone else than they did doing it on their own.”
"Personally, I would rather go to scary movie with my husband rather than sit at home with the lights out watching one on my own. We’re looking for that to reach out to consumers that perhaps were not open to Dead Space 1 and 2."
Dead Space 3 is due out in early 2013 and takes place on an ice planet known as Tau Volentis, and sees returning hero Isaac Clarke teaming up with newcomer John Carver.