New Co-Op Game Pitches It Takes Two With a Dog as Player Two

An upcoming co-op game is taking cues from It Takes Two but adds an interesting twist: one player controls a dog. Game Rant reports that this game features the same two-player co-op setup as Hazelight’s 2021 hit, with a human and a canine partner working together.

The reports we’ve seen don’t confirm a release date, platform lineup, or price just yet. Until the developer shares more, think of the comparison as a pitch rather than a list of confirmed features.

This comparison makes a lot of sense. It Takes Two debuted on March 26, 2021, and boasts an impressive 88 on Metacritic. On Steam, 95% of its 61,043 reviews are positive, and the game currently has 12,636 concurrent players. Any studio that references it sets a pretty high standard.

Using comparisons as a pitching strategy is gaining popularity. For example, PC Gamer published a piece about how a simple hook, “sorta like Helldivers 2 except dog people,” resonated with its writer in a crowded market. While that pitch refers to a different game, it showcases the same tactic: mention a successful title and tweak one aspect.

The dog element could have implications beyond just marketing. It Takes Two thrives because each player has unique abilities that rely on each other. Having two different species offers developers a natural way to create asymmetric mechanics, though it’s still unclear how this new game will implement that.

By The Numbers

By The Numbers: It Takes Two

Release date	March 26, 2021
Metacritic score	88
Steam reviews	95% positive (61,043 reviews)
Current Steam price	$39.99
Current players	12,636

Community Pulse

Overall, players have a positive view of It Takes Two, which explains why other developers are eager to draw comparisons. One Steam reviewer shared, “Me and my girlfriend have had a great time playing; it is challenging to work together, but when you beat the chapter, it’s all worth it.” That blend of struggle and satisfaction is something any competitor will need to replicate.

What To Watch

• Official details: Keep an eye out for announcements regarding the developer, platforms, release window, and pricing. None of that information has surfaced in the reports we reviewed.
• Mechanical depth: Watch for gameplay footage that reveals whether the dog has unique abilities or if it mainly serves as a visual gimmick.
• Co-op demand: Other co-op games are also generating buzz. GAMINGbible highlighted a free, 94%-rated co-op horror game that’s entering early access. Demos and playtests will help gauge player interest.