The Art of Balance: How to Avoid Alpha Player Syndrome in Coop Games

12 June 2025

Cooperative (co-op) games are all about teamwork, camaraderie, and shared triumphs (or defeats – let’s not kid ourselves). Whether you're taking down a dragon in a tabletop RPG or solving puzzles in an escape room video game, the core appeal lies in working together. But let’s face it, not every gaming session is sunshine and perfectly timed combos. Sometimes, there’s that one person—the alpha player. And hey, if you’re reading this and already feeling a little guilty, don’t sweat it! Alpha Player Syndrome (APS) is more common than you think, and the good news is, it’s fixable.

So, how do we prevent this pesky issue from ruining our otherwise epic gaming nights? Let’s break it down!

What Is Alpha Player Syndrome?

First things first: What exactly is Alpha Player Syndrome?

Alpha Player Syndrome happens when one player in a co-op game takes charge—whether intentionally or not—and starts dictating everyone else’s actions. Picture this: You’re playing a strategy-heavy board game, and one player starts telling others what moves to make, how to spend their resources, and essentially playing the entire game for the group.

It doesn’t come from a bad place (usually). Most of the time, alpha players genuinely want to help. Maybe they’ve played the game before and know the mechanics better. Maybe they’re perfectionists who hate inefficiency. But here’s the kicker: By trying to "help," they often end up squashing the fun and creativity of the rest of the group.

Why Does Alpha Player Syndrome Happen?

Let’s get real: The root of APS often boils down to personality and group dynamics. Here are some common reasons why it pops up:

1. Experience Imbalance

One player might have more experience with the game than others. They know the strategies, the best moves, the pitfalls to avoid—and they just can’t stay quiet.

2. Control Freak Tendencies

Some people thrive in control. They like structure, order, and being the one calling the shots. Does this sound like someone in your group (or you)?

3. Fear of Failure

Some alpha players are just terrified of losing. They think they're helping the group avoid mistakes, but in reality, their micromanagement can suck the life out of the game.

4. Passive Players

On the flip side, not everyone is an alpha player. Some players take a backseat, whether due to inexperience, shyness, or just wanting to go with the flow. This creates a vacuum for an alpha player to step in and dominate.

How Alpha Player Syndrome Hurts Co-op Games

Before diving into solutions, let’s talk about why APS is such a big deal. Sure, it might seem harmless at first—after all, what’s wrong with a little guidance? But here’s the catch:

1. It Kills Creativity

When one person dictates every move, there’s no room for others to think, strategize, or experiment. Who wants to be a puppet in someone else’s game?

2. It Alienates Players

Nobody likes feeling like their contributions don’t matter. Over time, alpha players can unintentionally make others feel undervalued, leading to disengagement or even resentment.

3. It Destroys the Fun

Games are supposed to be collaborative, not competitive. When one person takes over, the sense of teamwork—the very thing that makes co-op games awesome—is lost.

How to Avoid Alpha Player Syndrome

Alright, enough doom and gloom! Let’s talk solutions. Whether you’re the alpha player or just someone trying to keep your gaming group harmonious, these tips will help you keep APS at bay.

1. Acknowledge the Problem

The first step to solving any problem is admitting it exists. If you’re the alpha player, take a step back and reflect. Are you dominating the conversation? Are others just nodding along while you steamroll the game?

And if someone else is the alpha player, approach the topic gently. Try saying something like, “Hey, I think we’d all enjoy the game more if everyone got a chance to contribute.”

2. Set the Tone Before the Game

Before diving into gameplay, have an honest conversation about how the group wants to approach the game. Establish a culture where collaboration is encouraged, and no one feels pressured to lead or follow.

3. Take a Step Back

If you're the experienced player, resist the urge to take over. Let others make their own decisions—even if you’re 99% sure it’s a bad move! Remember, the goal isn’t just to win; it’s to have fun.

4. Encourage Everyone to Speak Up

If you notice someone in the group is being quieter than usual, invite them to share their thoughts. A simple, “What do you think we should do next?” can go a long way in making passive players feel included.

5. Use House Rules

For board games, consider implementing house rules to curb APS. For example, you could limit table talk or make it a rule that players can only discuss things on their turns.

6. Rotate Roles

In co-op games that involve specific roles (like a healer, strategist, or leader), try rotating these roles each game. This ensures everyone gets a chance to contribute in meaningful ways.

7. Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination

This one’s for everyone in the group: Winning isn’t everything. The real reward is the experience of playing together. Celebrate creative choices and laugh at mistakes—those are the moments you’ll remember long after the game ends.

Tips for Game Designers to Combat APS

If you’re a game designer, you have a part to play in preventing APS too! Here are some design strategies that can help:

1. Hidden Information

Games where players have secret information (like in "Hanabi" or "Mystery Express") naturally limit how much one player can dictate the group’s actions.

2. Simultaneous Turns

When everyone acts at the same time, it’s harder for one person to control the entire game.

3. Role-Specific Actions

Give each player unique abilities or responsibilities that require them to make their own decisions. This ensures everyone has a distinct voice in the game.

When APS Can Be a Good Thing (Yep, Really)

Here’s the twist: There are times when a little alpha behavior can be helpful. For example, if the group is completely new to a game, having an experienced player take the lead (within reason) can help them learn the ropes. The key is knowing when to step in and when to step back. Think of it like teaching someone to ride a bike—you guide them, but eventually, you let go of the handlebars.

Final Thoughts

Alpha Player Syndrome can definitely derail a good game, but the solution is all about balance—just like the best co-op games themselves. Whether you’re the alpha player or someone trying to keep the group dynamic healthy, the key is communication, empathy, and a willingness to share the spotlight. At the end of the day, co-op games are about having fun together—not winning at any cost. So, take a deep breath, roll that dice, and remember: It's not about being the leader; it’s about being part of the team.