Design Techniques for Inspiring Belonging

Video games that foster a sense of belonging enhance engagement and cultivate prosocial behaviors. Here are eight design practices for developers that can enhance a sense of belonging in multiplayer experiences.

1. Cue belonging

Create ways for players to relate to one another and express their identity. For instance, allow players to personalize or customize their avatars, environments, or game elements.
Design for reciprocal mechanics to help players feel part of a collective. Even sharing an in-game color can make people feel part of something bigger.

Caution: Take care in building shared identities around demographics like gender or nationality, which can exacerbate discrimination and biased thinking.

Screenshot showing the message "We secured the Ultra Signal!" in Splatoon. — In *Splatoon 3*, team-based gameplay with shared icons and objectives helps players feel part of a team even from the very first match. Image courtesy of TIGG.

2. Share history

Having a shared history, even brief, provides common ground and makes it easier for players to relate to one another. When we share stories from the past, we reinforce bonds and cultivate trust.
Help strangers connect by highlighting accomplishments. Consider rolling play sessions, which generate a shared history over the course of a few games, increasing connection and the likelihood that people may play together again in the future.

Caution: Be sure to solicit consent and safeguard privacy.

Battle against a giant beast in the Monster Hunter series. — *Monster Hunter* series: Hunting down massive beasts requires teamwork and coordination. As players learn together and achieve victories, their bond strengthens, with fallen monsters becoming trophies of their shared experience. Image courtesy of TIGG.

3. Rethink the “win”

Recognize and celebrate contribution and collaboration, not just wins or kills. Doing so will make games meaningful to all participants. Asymmetrical roles can make this easier by avoiding direct competition and providing more team-based objectives.
Provide in-game tools for mentorship, assistance, and expressing gratitude. Research shows this builds strong community bonds.

Caution: These systems may appeal differently to various players, but offering these options will provide a more welcoming experience overall.

Two players cooperating in Identity V — In *Identity V*, survivors rely heavily on rescuing each other and using diverse ability sets for success, cooperation and selflessness. Image courtesy of TIGG.

4. Design for collaboration

By incorporating shared goals and designing for collaboration, games can enhance a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, which strengthens belonging.
Look for opportunities to facilitate cooperation and make working together more enjoyable than competing. Reduce sources of friction that might lead to frustration, so that players are more likely to see their teammates favorably.

Caution: Simply forcing players to cooperate without ensuring the experience is positive can backfire, eroding belonging instead of reinforcing it.

Two players solving parts of a puzzle in It Takes Two — *It Takes Two* is a strictly two-player co-op where every puzzle and platforming challenge requires players to work in tandem. The narrative also emphasizes the value of cooperation. Image courtesy of TIGG.

big idea Introduction to Collaboration

Teamwork is often necessary to successfully complete an objective and can lead to better thriving in games.

5. Promote self-organization

Help players easily find compatible teammates and groups to increase the likelihood they’ll feel comfortable.
Go beyond traditional matchmaking by designing systems that help players share their playstyles, goals, and preferences to help like-minded players connect organically.

Consider ways to help players learn about established groups (i.e., their intent and atmosphere) before seeking to join.

A life-size virtual chessboard in Tabletop Simulator — *Tabletop Simulator* is a virtual tabletop allows players to browse lobbies that often list the game being played, the experience level expected, the use of voice chat, and even the overall “vibe” (serious vs. relaxed). Image courtesy of TIGG.

6. Encourage diversity

Belonging hinges on feeling like you have a place. When we fail to see anyone like us, it sends a strong signal that we may not belong. Based on our individual experiences, we may arrive at spaces assuming that we will face resistance or rejection.
Architect intentional and authentic representation in play spaces by integrating identities in deep and meaningful ways. Include diverse characters and storylines Seek out perspectives and expertise to ensure authentic representation.

A scene from the game Ikenfell — *Ikenfell* is a turn-based RPG set in a magical school with a cast of LGBTQ+ characters. Beyond representation, the narrative naturally integrates themes of self-discovery, found family, and overcoming prejudice. Image courtesy of TIGG.

big idea Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DEI is a powerful tool for creating more engaging games, building stronger communities, and fostering a more vibrant gaming landscape.

7. **Make it about belonging**

Some games have a narrative or gameplay that naturally fosters a sense of community or compassion. These can help players feel an intrinsic sense of belonging.
If your game can fit this mold, adding cozy elements or emotional storylines that feature our shared humanity, compassion for one another, or even just a more playful attitude can foster a naturally more convivial and welcoming space.

A candle exchange in Sky: Children of the Light — In *Sky: Children of the Light*, a focus on exploration with shared emotes and the ability to gently guide other players, particularly new ones, creates a sense of belonging within the overall player base. Image courtesy of TIGG.

8. Manage communally

Taking an intentional, collaborative approach to your community management can increase feelings of belonging.
Early in development, plan to explicitly define the values that you want to see via a code of conduct. Celebrate positive or productive contributions, and deal with problematic behavior swiftly and consistently.
Hiring a community manager to support your game community can help to foster the values that you want to see and provide valuable insight into what’s working and what needs improvement.
Be proactive. Entrenched mindsets can be hard to shift post launch.