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.