Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 52 | Frank Lantz on the Logic and Emotion of Games
Jun 24, 2019
Frank Lantz, a game designer and director at NYU's Game Center, dives into the fascinating world of games. He discusses the emotional resonance of gaming and its cultural significance, emphasizing games as an evolving form of art. Lantz contrasts the strategic depth of Go with the psychological chaos of poker, highlighting the unique cognitive experiences each offers. He explores how games shape personal identity and community connection, and the potential of gaming to foster personal growth. It's a captivating look at the interplay between logic and emotion in games.
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Play and Structure
- Play is free exploration of possibilities, like pouring water from a bottle onto a table.
- Games combine this playfulness with structure, rules, and arbitrary goals.
The Pleasure of Rules
- In games, we enjoy submitting to arbitrary rules, experiencing the pleasure of being bound.
- We also recognize rules' pliability, prompting experimentation and modification.
Go as a Martial Art
- Go, like a martial art, is a deep cognitive problem solved for its own sake.
- It's a testament to games' longevity, with people engaging with it for millennia.
