The way I've understood GNS is this

Gamist: The game is a puzzle to be solved and won.  Solving the puzzles and challenges is the goal.
Narrativist: The game is a story that needs to be written/played out.  An enjoyable story is the goal.
Simulationist: The game is a realistic scenario and accuracy is tantamount.  Immersing yourself in character is critical.

Hi there,

I'm afraid that you are expressing the common but absolutely inaccurate first-reading reaction to the early essays. If you'd like to learn more, your first step will be to look over your post and say to yourself, "None of that is what Ron is saying."

I'm not sure whether you've taken a look at the Provisional Glossary in the Articles section. Please check it out if you haven't. The first couple of pages are not just terms, but a short essay which serves as the very best starting point for my ideas. It includes a neat diagram. If you read over these (and never mind the following big list of terms), then we can have a good talk about all this stuff.

Best,
Ron