Beyond Rules and Mechanics: A Different Approach for Ludology

Abstract

Due to its affiliation with formalism, ludology, the scientific perspective prioritized in game studies, considers the rule–mechanic binomial to be an essential principle of any scholarly approach to video games. Nevertheless, the limitation of the game system order implies that, as a fundamental part of this epistemological approach, the empirical validity of its methodology is already being rejected. As such, this article attempts to shift the focus away from the rule–mechanic relation, and from a cybersemiotic perspective, to refocus it on a conceptualization of the human–machine relationship. In order to do so, the concept of convolution regarding said relation is defined, including both parts of the video game system in terms of signal processing. Likewise, this model is contrasted with a randomized total sample of 1,200 games ( N = 1,200, n = 300) in order to arrive at a set of conclusions about the behavior of the distinct video game genres in the indicated terms.

A Content Analysis of Mechanics and Historical Thinking in the Mission US Video Game

“…Again, by "conversing with the world" we mean the /imagine-plan-act-receive and reflect on feedback-act again/ cycle outlined above (Gee, 2017;Gee & Gee, 2017). As opposed to rules, which determine what players have to do, mechanics determine what players are able to do (Vargas-Iglesias & Navarrete-Cardero, 2019). In this way, mechanics afford and constrain different strategies at different times (Juul, 2001) and implicitly guide players' in-game behavior by constraining the plans players can make as they pursue ingame goals (Järvinen, 2008).…”