In our Wednesday lecture tried to understand how to define video games and how to categorize them.

We looked at the studies of James Newman who referred to Roger Caillois who came up with Paidia and Ludus.

Paidia can be simply explained as, “play” for pleasure

Ludus is defined as more constrained by rules, with a clear outcome (E.g. “Winning”)

He then furthered that by bringing in the following:

Agon: Competition - a competitive multiplayer game

Alea: Chance, Randomness - A gambling game or equivalent

Ilinx: Movement, Vertigo: - Outdoor sports, skiing, skateboarding

Mimicry: Simulation, Role-Play – Cinema

A game that came to mind when we were set this task was War Thunder which falls into the category of Ludus. I strongly believe this game can fall under the 4 categories explained above, if not, definitely 3.

War Thunder is based on tanks and aircraft throughout the Spanish Civil War through to the Korean War, with room to expand. Players take command of a plane or tank and are placed in equal teams and the objective can range from capturing positions, destroying certain targets, or the first time to lose all vehicles.  

World of Warcraft was a game I used to play and, to be fair, who hasn't? It offers the players with a huge sandbox to play in and gives people the freedom to do what they want, whenever and how they want to, which is why I think it can be categorized as a Paidia game. Feel like running around Goldshire killing rabbits? Go for it. Perhaps you want to just find a quiet spot and do nothing? Do as you please.

This is a game that could also fall under all 4 categories. Loot is based on a roll between 1 and 100, it’s an MMORPG and there are many strict Role-Playing servers who cater to those who want to role-play and for those who want a PvP or PvE only realm. Competitions between players in battlegrounds are also available. All accompanied with a ground of flying mount to get you around the world.