Method

Prosocial Behaviors | Checklist

Prosocial behaviors are actions that benefit others – which in multiplayer games, is crucial for success. They are a subset of what we call productive behaviors. Having a handy list can make it easier to design for prosocial behaviors.

How to use this checklist

Use this checklist to:

  • Get a basic understanding of prosocial behavior in games.
  • Evaluate existing games for prosocial behavior.
  • Proactively promote prosocial behavior in game design. 
  • Aid brainstorming and social mapping exercises.

Checklist

This list provides some quick and easy checks for prosocial behaviors you may want to support in your game:

1. Acknowledging — Can players recognize and express the importance of key events?

2. Appreciating — Do players have a time and place to process valuable team events and ways to express their appreciation?

Screenshot of characters appreciating each other through a hug in Helldivers 2.
In Helldivers 2, players can show some love through hugs. Image courtesy of TIGG.

3. Assisting or helping — Do players have opportunities to come to the aid of others?

Screenshot of Left 4 Dead 2 telling the viewer to pull Nick off the edge of a ledge.
Left 4 Dead 2 makes it really clear that you should help your teammates. Image courtesy of TIGG.

4. Celebrating — Are players able to commemorate great group moments?

Players giving each other a high-five in Fortnite.
A high-five in Fortnite. Image courtesy of TIGG.

5. Collaborating — Do players have compelling reasons to work together?

A ticking time bomb that players must work to defuse in Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes.
In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, one person has the manual, the other can see the bomb, and both must work together to defuse it. Image courtesy of Steel Crate Games.

6. Comforting — Do players have ways to lift up the spirits of teammates after a failure?

7. Congratulating — Can players have tools for praising others for their personal achievements? 

Player giving a clapping "bravo" gesture in Elden Ring.
Players can congratulate others with the bravo gesture in Elden Ring. Image courtesy of TIGG.

8. Contributing — Can multiple players come together to help the cause of individual players?

9. Cooperating — Do players have clear and meaningful ways to work together toward shared goals?

Screenshot showing a moment of cooperation in the game Portal 2.
Takes a lot of cooperation to solve all the puzzles in Portal 2. Image courtesy of TIGG.

10. De-escalating — Do players have ways to deflate stress, both personally and socially?

Three players dancing together in Fortnite.
Dancing in Fortnite is a great way to let off some steam. Image courtesy of TIGG.

11. Doing one’s best — Are players encouraged and recognized for trying hard?

12. Educating / mentoring — Are players able to share knowledge? Are they rewarded for this?

An example of a mentor and student in RIFT.
The RIFT Mentoring System lets players scale down to play and teach others at lower levels. Image courtesy of Trion Worlds.

13. Encouraging — Do players have multiple ways to uplift and inspire each other?

14. Following rules — Are players encouraged and rewarded for abiding by rules?

15. Gifting, giving, or sharing — Can players give things of value to others?

A character gratefully receiving a gift in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Friendships are built with thoughtful gift-giving in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Image courtesy of Nintendo.

16. Including — Can players easily include others in ongoing group activities?

17. Inviting — Can players easily invite others to join an experience?

User interface for Stardew Valley showing the setup of a multiplayer game.
When setting up and inviting others to a co-op game in Stardew Valley, players can choose multiple cabins for themselves and their friends. Image courtesy of TIGG.

18. Protecting — Can players shield others from danger?

19. Reciprocating — Can players respond to the actions of others with corresponding actions?

20. Reviving or healing — Can players resuscitate others?

21. Saving — Can players rescue others from danger?

An example of a Medic healing a teammate in Team Fortress 2.
In Team Fortress 2, the role of a Medic is to heal and save others. They’re vulnerable, so they must also be saved. Image courtesy of TIGG.

22. Showing compassion — Can players visibly express a willingness to help others?

23. Standing up for someone else — Do players have tools to support others who are being criticized or attacked?

24. Thanking— Can players express their gratitude to others?

The ping system in Overwatch 2, highlighting the "Thanks" option.
Overwatch 2 gives players a way to say thanks. Image courtesy of Blizzard.

25. Trading — Can players exchange items with each other?

Two players trading in Warframe.
In Warframe, players can trade items with each other or set up a shop at a trading post. Image courtesy of TIGG.

26. Volunteering — Can players freely offer to take on a group task in ways that are recognized by others?

27. Warning others of danger — Can players inform others of impending risk?

28. Welcoming — Can players greet and receive others in a friendly manner?

Now what?

  • Put this checklist to work.
  • See if you can think of other prosocial behaviors to support. 
  • Explore other useful methods.
Photo of Weszt Hart

Weszt Hart

Weszt (he / him) strives to make social simple for game and tech companies. He is currently the Head of Player Dynamics at Riot Games, a board member of TIGG, an editorial team member for the Digital Thriving Playbook, a speaker, and an author.
NEWSLETTER

Get Playbook updates in your inbox!

Agreement(Required)
Pattern