When we started Co-Optimus over two years ago we had no idea just how quickly the site would evolve into what it is today. We had plenty of lofty goals; creating a co-op games database, matchmaking, community, and news - but what we found was we kept limiting ourselves with the functionality and design of our site.
Starting today we've taken the first step to expand Co-Optimus even further, bringing our third design iteration to fruition. Mike and myself have put countless hours into it since last January, and we really hope you enjoy what you see.
I'd like to talk about some of the new features of the site and how you can use them.
Co-Op Tweet Up
Our Co-Op Tweet Up functionality is a new venture to break matchmaking from the bonds of the web, and utilize Twitter to help people find other co-op gamers. Any Co-Optimus member is able to use one of four twitter accounts to sends requests to potentially millions of people looking to play. Anyone is able to subscribe to these Twitter accounts to get updates, expanding the functionality well beyond our site to phones, laptops, Xbox 360's, and just about any device with a browser or Twitter client.
How do you use it?
First you'll need to make sure your forum profile has your Gamertag, PSN ID, Steam ID or Wii Friend Code on it. Then you'll need to add some games to your profile, this can be done by visiting any of the game's pages and click the giant plus sign in the top right corner. After that it's as simple as selecting your system, selecting your game, picking a time and clicking a button.
Obviously this functionality is in it's infancy, but as more people begin to use it and see the potential, we hope to see some truly amazing results!
User Blogs
Over the years many of our community members have written some amazing articles on co-op gaming, gaming in general, or just interesting anecdotes. We've now created a section of Co-Optimus to allow them to do this as they please, and even be featured on our front page.
To create a new blog entry simply click the little drop down arrow on the user menu in the top right and select the option. From there you can use the WYSWIG editor to write your entry, give it some tags, and even related it to our games database.
Your blog is viewable in a few places, including your profile page, our front page, and in the community blogs section.
A word of warning though - we will not tolerate any abusive behavior, obscene material, and other content we deem unacceptable for a site about cooperative gaming. If you have any doubt if it's something you should post, chances are you shouldn't post it. We've given the power to the community to report blog posts and have them submitted for removal. Just have fun people!
Profiles and Matchmaking
Your profile page, and other users profile pages, are your central hub for matchmaking. Viewing anyone's profile will show you a list of co-op games they currently own, and whether or not that matches up with your existing list. If it does it's easy to send them a message to play just by clicking the "PLAY" button.
You can find user profile pages linked in various places across the site like the comment sections of articles, our forums, and on blog entries. But if you aren't sure who to play with, or who's a good fit you could always have the system find other community members who it thinks would be a good match for you.
In the right column of your profile page click the "FIND MATCHES" button under the Co-Op Gamers Like Me option. From there you can see other members' games, and send messages for play.
Alternatively if you are just looking for someone to play a game, say Halo 3: ODST for instance, all you need to do is click "MEET OTHERS" underneath your games list next to Halo 3: ODST on your profile page.
Other Features
There's a ton of other features we've launched as well, many of them as a result of direct feedback from our community.
Release Calendar - Check out past, present and future release dates for all of our co-op games.
Systems Page and Filters - Our systems pages have been updated for speed, accuracy and faster filtering to find the co-op games you want based on your criteria.
Price Tracking - Many of our pages contain recent price drops info from Amazon and other sources to help find the best deals on games, and support Co-Optimus in the process.
Top Games - Our top games page has gotten an overhaul for ease of use to find the best games on each platform.
Dynamic Menus - many of our menus are now filled with dynamic content like the upcoming games, latest media, recent reviews and more.
Improved Search - We're utilizing Google's site search now to help find content while at the same time tweaking our game and advanced search to help find co-op games easier.
Facebook Integration - Now you can login and create an account with your Facebook ID, bind your existing account to Facebook, and more. All with one click.
And much more!
Requirements -
We do realize there's going to be some bugs and tweaks that come up, and if you do find something you can let us know about it here. That said the site was designed for the latest in browser technology - we highly recommend you use Firefox 3.6, Chrome 4.0, Internet Explorer 8 or Safari.
Contest!
Finally it wouldn't be a site launch without a contest - so we're going to give away a co-op game of choice to one lucky winner ($59.99 or less). A second prize of a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate will also be given out. To enter simply leave a comment on this post and tell us what you like, or don't like, about the new site! Winner will be drawn on Monday, March 29th.
Good luck and welcome to the Co-Op Revolution!