Co-op horror

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I don't see why people are so against taking some time for semantics. If one does not understand what is being discussed, why seek a discussion?

I'll tell you why: Because debates concerning the semantics of things always end up like this one. Your entire post is trying to invalidate my ideas based on my choice of words, when it is abundantly clear what I am trying to say. For example:

The two concepts are mutually exclusive (whether it's light vs dark, co-op vs horror, with or without the senses, etc) and therefore have to be separated for one to exist. Hence "co-op horror" is an oxymoron.

Bullshit they are. I already explained in great detail how I believe them to part of the same underlying concept. If you don't believe that, fine, but don't tell me I'm wrong because you are right. Do you honestly believe that a game where you are in complete darkness the entire time would be scary or even interesting? After a while, in fact very quickly, it would become stagnant and colorless. Whatever tension it can build up will dissipate eventually. Honestly, I can't believe you are actually so ignorant as to not see how the two concepts form a bigger picture.

Don't call it "co-op horror" if cooperation is merely "multi-player." Call it "multi-player horror." You could probably simply call it "horror", since multi-player allows for single-player progression.

And this is why people do not like semantic debates. It makes no difference what you call it, it's the idea that's being communicated that matters. Honestly, you are just proving me and Naked? No right by saying something as closed-minded as that. Why don't you let go of your preconceptions regarding co-op and consider the idea?

Apart from that, your skepticism is justified, and your opposition against the vague language I was using is also valid. I don't have a clue how to perfectly balance these elements in a practical way, but I'm not a game designer. We could discuss specific ideas for hours though, and someone with the means to do it could do it. It's not impossible.

Co-op involves, by definition, stronger support. Not only physical, but emotional as well. The reassurance of a friend who has your back eases tension, not creates it. Even if they are separated, the knowledge that there is a friend suffering with you would be enough. Basically, you have a mechanic that HINDERS the result that you want. Even if you COULD do it, this leaves you having to make extra work just to break even in the level of horror in other areas. There is literally no reason to make a horror game co-op other than to say you have co-op. That's when you breach into gimmick territory.

Guys, are you sure you read my posts? This is exactly what I've been saying the entire thread. It doesn't hinder, it reinforces. You need to constantly release the tension for there to be tension. Don't you get it?