Defining Video Games

In this post, I will be talking about Newman's references to Video Games by defining them into two terms.

With the knowledge of the two terms 'Paidea' (Play for Pleasure) and 'Ludus' (Clear goals and rules), we can define almost every game we can think of into these terms. Newman also goes on to say that we can consider the aspects of the game and game play to sort them into smaller terms;
'Agon' (Competition)
'Alea' (Chance/Randomness)
'Ilinx' (Movement)
'Mimicry' (Simulation and Role-play)

 For the purpose of this post, I have picked three games that I will be sorting into the two terms which will then be assigned to these four smaller terms.

Game One
Terraria

Terraria is a Singleplayer/Multiplayer 2D sandbox game where the players craft and build. Combat plays a major part in the game, as does exploration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGM3GjnV3Iw

Immediately, this game is pushed into the Paidea category due to its Sandbox game play. However, due to its bosses and loot system, it may count as a Ludus game as well.
The two minor terms Terraria falls under are Alea and Ilinx Due to the randomly generated maps and the combat system.

Game Two
Prime World

Prime World is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) where players fight five on five to destroy each other's castles. This game involves teamwork and coordination to best yourself over the enemy team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ofsyz2lwOk

This game has clear signs of it being a Ludus game due to its fixed map and clear goals (One game mode).
The two minor terms would be Agon and Ilinx for the Player vs Player aspect of the game and the need on critical placement of everyone's character for the match to be a success.

Game Three
Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is a MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) where the incentive is that the world is your oyster. You can explore the world of Tyria in all it's splendor without any constraints. The gear progression and need to make their characters the best drives the player to continue playing. With game modes like World vs World, players can fight other players in massive battles with servers clashing to gain control of critical structures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbHsTMpCi_M

Being a MMORPG, Guild Wars 2 has aspects of both Paidea and Ludus. The freedom of being allowed to explore the continent at the player's will fits with Paidea of playing for pleasure. The will to be more powerful slots with Ludus of giving the player clear goals to reach for.
As for the minor terms, Guild Wars 2 fits into each of them. The Agon from World vs World and Player vs Player modes. The Alea of who you will come across in combat. The Ilinx of exploring the world of Tyria. Finally, Mimicry of playing your character and making it come to life as you take control.

Thank you for reading this post.

A quick update on my project for this half year, I will be creating a Bullet Hell game. This will feature a witch fighting her way through a labyrinth, trying to escape with a boss to try and stop her. Expect a game similar to that of Touhou and will be released at mid January.

Dr Trickster signing out.

Questions Questions Questions

On the 3rd of October, I was interviewed by James to answer some questions about myself. Here are the answers and a little description on why that was my answer:

What is the title of the book (fiction) you are currently reading (or the last fiction book you read)?

My last read must be The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I don't really read books as much as I used to (I read The Lord of the Rings back in High School in Year 11). I did enjoy it, almost as much as the movies (I really enjoyed the poems and songs in the book, but I would be best that they weren't the movies).

What is the title/topic of the book (non-fiction) you are currently reading (or the last non-fiction book you read)?

The last non-fiction book I read was The Royal Life Saving Society UK textbook on Life Guard Training. They was during March where I decided to get a Life Guard Certificate so I can get a part time job working as a pool life guard. I did manage to get my certificate, but, I was unable to find a job.

What is the last live performance (music, drama or dance) you attended?

During G.C.S.E Drama, I went to a physical showing of Blood Brothers in a Theater (can't remember where). It was a very good showing and a completely new experience to me.

What is the title of the last film you saw at the cinema, online or watched on DVD?

Though technically a TV series, I would say that Band of Brothers is on par with any film I have watched.

My favorite film has to be The Shawshank Redemption. So much thought was put into the plot of that movie that it still amazes me how everything functions within the movie (I will not spoil anything).

How often do you read a newspaper?

To be very honest, I rarely read the newspaper or check out what is happening in the world. It's a bad habit, but it seems every time I do check, something stupid is happening. For example, only recently was I aware of the U.S Government shutting down. A big story which I was very unaware, I guess it's a good thing and a bad thing.

Which art gallery / museum / exhibition did you last visit?

During my stay in Beijing between October and December 2012, I visited a number of ancient buildings and grounds. One that struck out was the Temple of Heaven. The architecture was beautiful with the temples and the gardens blending perfectly together. It was a breathe taking view of ancient Chinese architecture. 

How many hours a week do you spend playing video games?

I spend an unholy amount of time playing on the computer, I clock at 91 hours a week max. I tend to lose time when I play my games, I get very immersed into the story and the universe that the game tells.

The most recent game I have been playing is XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which a fantastic single player campaign which gives me the sense of urgency and despair within the game world.

How many hours a week do you spend playing non-video games?

I used to go to a DnD game which involved me going to a friends house for 4 hours a week. Then I decided to run my own campaign every two weeks for 8 hours. This ran for about 8 months until people had to move away due to jobs and real life issues. 

So that is my interview answers with a bit more information tacked on the side. Thank you for reading. If you would like to ask me a question, write it in the comment section below and I will try to answer it.

Dr Trickster signing off.

Introduction

Hey there!

My name is Harry Ng (Dr Trickster) and  welcome to my blog.
This blogs purpose is for me to write down my thoughts on Games Design related articles, Games reviews and my development of my own games that I will be making during my course at UCS in Computer Game Design.
Please stick around and do share your thoughts on the topics I will be bringing up in the future.

Thanks!