The latest trend gaining momentum in the video game industry is known as “friendslop,” despite its seemingly derogatory connotation. Games such as Peak, RV There Yet?, and Meccha Chameleon have seen significant success in recent times due to their easy-to-understand gameplay, affordable pricing, and the chaotic fun of multiplayer interactions.
According to Langley resident Patrick Thornley, who enjoys playing friendslop games with friends across Canada, the essence of these games lies in cooperative play with friends to complete often mundane tasks, made challenging by the players’ playful and sometimes silly antics. The primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience without taking the gameplay too seriously.
A newly released game, Big Walk, follows the friendslop trend but stands out by blending emergent chaos with a meticulously designed world reminiscent of acclaimed titles like Myst and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It has quickly become a strong contender for game of the year, highlighting the significance of friendship and shared exploration within the gaming landscape.
The term “friendslop” was coined in 2025 by user @wooosaaaahhhhh, initially in reference to Lethal Company, a cooperative multiplayer horror game. The concept of “friendfarming,” synonymous with acquiring or spending time with friends, has become associated with friendslop games. These multiplayer games are typically characterized by quick development, simple visuals, and straightforward gameplay mechanics compared to high-budget titles like Call of Duty.
Many friendslop games incorporate proximity chat, where player voices diminish with distance, encouraging close collaboration or the use of in-game communication devices. These games focus on light-hearted interactions and allow players to experiment without severe consequences, fostering a playful and carefree gaming experience.
While success is not guaranteed in creating friendslop games, notable titles like Peak and Meccha Chameleon have garnered immense popularity with millions of copies sold. The recently launched Big Walk by Melbourne’s House House presents a unique multiplayer adventure set in a carefully crafted landscape, challenging players with teamwork-based puzzles and fostering creative problem-solving in a cooperative setting.