Onboarding in cooperative multiplayer games, examined through the design of Vacunauts

Abstract

This thesis examines how effective onboarding can be designed for cooperative multiplayer games, using a tutorial prototype developed in Unreal Engine as a case study. Two playtest studies were conducted with iterative refinement between them, combining prototype development, playtesting, researcher observations, and post-session surveys. Findings reveal that clear instructions, opportunities for exploration, embedded guidance, and tasks promoting meaningful cooperation support player comprehension without diminishing engagement. Although quantitative analyses were limited by small sample sizes, qualitative observations and open-ended survey responses offered valuable insights into player learning within collaborative tutorial contexts. The research supports existing theories on clarity and timing, situated instruction, and experiential learning, while extending them by highlighting the role of embedded guidance and cooperative task structures. Key implications include the need for larger and more diverse samples, improved survey instruments, and further examination of design features that foster interdependence. Ultimately, the study provides a framework for blending theoretical principles with practical tutorial design and contributes to a deeper understanding of how players learn together in cooperative multiplayer environments.