narratology

Espen Aarseth foresees the quick end of Murray's "story-game hybrid" and suggests instead a "critical theory of games."

Eric Zimmerman whips "four naughty concepts" into disciplinary shape.

The importance of consequences plots Brenda Laurel's response to Michael Mateas.

Narrativists vs. ludologists, material vs. formal constraints: Michael Mateas replies by identifying actors' roles in each division.

Literature scholars eager to understand gaming have made early inroads. Markku Eskelinen sets up serious checkpoints.

Markku Eskelinen reiterates the bounds of ludology.

J. Yellowlees Douglas adds more titles to Eskelinen's catalog of limnal games.

Keith Herber discusses how in his "Haunted House" scenario for Call of Cthulhu, characters are driven insane by their attempt to unravel the game's mysteries. Herber's explanation distinguishes his work from many other role-playing games in which the goal is to develop characters and acquire power and/or wealth. In contrast, characters in Herber's scenario are rewarded with mental instability.