I've created a diagram that shows the external influences on game play based on the premise that game are simulations. Simulation is defined as:
Quotea : The imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another b : examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device
To me, this seems like a functional description of role playing games, with the game being the simulating device.
It's getting late so I'll explain more of it in a later post. Anyway, here (http://home.comcast.net/~brodieh1/Files/blackboxdiagram.jpg) it is.
Let me know what you think so far.
Hiya,
If I'm not mistaken, that's what I call "Exploration," or rather, that's what I appropriated the term Exploration for from another fellow. My only slight difference is that I specify the medium of imaginative communication among a social group.
And yes, it's the foundational act of role-playing in my model. So I think we're seeing a strong point of agreement.
Best,
Ron
Hello!
I was gonna guess electrical engineer, but systems analyst is close enough ... seriously, that diagram is sufficiently difficult to interpret that after a couple of minutes I gave up.
- James
If you think that is bad, wait until I draw up "white box" gaming, where I show what goes on inside of gameplay. I still haven't forgetten about actually describing this, but I am working on getting my current game design up to playtestability by Sunday. Something to do while watching the Super Bowl, you know.