investiGaming is a publication of the Serious Game Design group in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University, 2007-2009
This gateway is partially supported by grant 0631771 from the National Science Foundation.
The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent Michigan State University or the National Science Foundation.
Author: Frasca, G.
Date: 2004
Source: in First Person: New Media as Story, Performance, and Game. P. Harrington & N. Wardrip-Fruin (Eds.) Cambridge: MIT Press
Full Text Link:
Available at Electronic Book Review(http://www.electronicbookreview.com/thread/firstperson/Boalian)
Synopsis:
Chapter explores the possibilities of non-Aristotelian game design based on the work of drama theorist Augusto Boal.
Keywords:
book, game design, civic engagement, values at play
Abstract:
Is it possible to design videogames that deal with social and political issues? Could videogames be used as a tool for encouraging critical thinking? Do videogames offer an alternative way of understanding reality? Although videogames are now about three decades old, these questions remain unanswered. It seems that even if the medium has reached incredible popularity, it is still far away from becoming a mature communication form that could deal with such things as human relationships, or political and social issues. Or maybe it can never become such thing. After all, as many may say, these are simply games and games have been considered trivial entertainment for ages. Nevertheless, I claim that videogames could indeed deal with human relationships and social issues, while encouraging critical thinking. In this essay, I explore the possibilities of non-Aristotelian game design, mainly based on the work of drama theorist Augusto Boal.
(by Boalian)