Computer RPG

7/29/2019 Computer RPG

1/11

Computer RPG

or

choosing the right tools for the job!


2/11

Non-Computer Games are

games which operate within a fixed

system that requires players to understand

them AS a system, make judgments, and

keep track of the game state.

Second Person p. 107


3/11

CRPGs are

computational fictions

games which take on at least part of themechanics themselves, continuing to function a

appropriately as a system even if the playerscompletely fail to understand them often

possible to play successfully based on an entirelymistaken understanding of how they function

internally, even while the games themselvescontinue to enforce their own rules and structures.

Second Person p. 107


4/11
http://progressquest.com/


5/11

Narratology vs. Ludology

The old debate is whether it is worth

sacrificing narrative for mechanics.

This is not strictly correct

both are possible. (Or will be.)

The real issue is sacrificingCHOICE for PLAYABILITY


6/11

Choice vs. Playability

Rather than focus on comparisons

between tabletop and computer games,

we must ask:

What types of new playable

media are made possible

through use of the

computer?


7/11

In the beginning
http://thcnet.net/zork/index.php


8/11

Computer Games Provide:

Unity

Context

Speed

Consistency Accuracy

Autonomy

Objectivity Privacy

Linearity


9/11
http://apps.facebook.com/onthefarm/http://www.farmville.com/


10/11

Farmville was

Fastest Growing Social Game EVER

Progressive

Competitive Personal (Flow!)

Customizable

Addictive Peaked in BETA!
http://blog.su-spectator.com/2009/10/my-journey-into-the-dark-heart-of-farmville-day-1-of-7/http://blog.su-spectator.com/2009/10/my-journey-into-the-dark-heart-of-farmville-day-1-of-7/


11/11

HW:

Play Zork

Play Farmville (or castle, or whatever)

Begin D2

Documents

Computer RPG