Nature of Games

The definition of a game (and what does-and-does-not count as a game) is a highly controversial topic. While this lecture does not resolve this controversy, it does give you some understanding of the basic issues.

As part of our discussion of games, we also talk about the dueling design philosophies of ludic vs narrative. This class has a very ludic bias, because that is the type of thing that is easy to teach. However, narrative is important, as long as you understand what is and is not feasible.
 
Before we start the class, we will begin with a group activity in which you will brainstorm a simple game. You should arrive to class on time so that we can put you in a breakout room.

To complement this lecture, we recommend the following reading and/or viewing:
January 26, 2022 slides no demos