Could Mixer's Co-op Streaming Service Replace Couch Co-op?

I Just Want Couch Co-op Back

Remember back in the day, when you had to actually go to someone's house to play a multiplayer game? No, I'm not that old, that world existed only a decade ago. And in recent years we've seen a public outcry to bring it back, but the only ones listening seem to be indie game developers. This seemingly simply need to split the game screen hit its peak when the big franchise Halo removed local co-op for Halo 5. 

They stated that it was necessary to improve the game's frame-rate quality, but many loyal fans were outraged. Tweets and comments poured in, painting the picture of a parent buying a game to play with their young child, only to tell them that they can't play together. But has Microsoft's streaming service allowed them to at least stream together?

Looks familiar right? A screen split up to see the perspective of each player as they play the same game at the same time. Granted these 2 to 4 players might not be in the same room but they are in the same chat, which adds a missing layer to multiplayer that disappeared when local co-op was thrown away. That layer being interactivity.

That was the best part of couch co-op, the ability to taunt, cheer, and generally interact with others as they play. Unfortunately that's as close to local co-op Mixer's co-stream is going to get. But it's a step in the right direction and encourages players to play (and stream) together. Hopefully this sees popularity and AAA game developers begin to see the desperate need for this in the industry.

But what do you think? Does the split screen image jog some great couch co-op memories?