Decision Space Games Are Agency As Art - A New Way To Talk about Games With C. Thi Nguyen
May 11, 2022
In this engaging talk, C. Thi Nguyen, a philosopher and author known for his insights on games and art, dives into how games can be viewed as a unique form of artistic expression. He discusses the evolution of games, emphasizing player agency and emotional experiences. Nguyen contrasts striving play with achievement play, illustrating how the journey is often more rewarding than the win. The conversation also highlights innovative game designs that foster personal growth and invites listeners to rethink their approach to gaming as a rich and transformative medium.
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Skipping Strategy Guides To Preserve Fun
- Nguyen describes reading a strategy guide would let him win against his wife but he chooses not to.
- He sacrifices guaranteed victory to preserve an even, delicious struggle during play.
Why Stupid Games Require the Right Spirit
- 'Stupid games' make failure the fun part while still requiring sincere effort to be funny.
- These games force players into the paradoxical motivational state of trying to fail while genuinely trying to win.
Games Differ In Fragility To Player Spirit
- Games demand different shared 'spirits' and vary in fragility to mismatched player motives.
- Some indie RPGs and party games require intense, mutual buy-in while many Euros tolerate mixed player engagement.
