Administrative Final choices for game design Game creation: Posted on web site Analysis of existing game design: Posted on web site

Semiotics and Systems Dr. Héctor Muñoz-Avila Assigned readings: Chapters 4 & 5 (Rules of Play Book)

Design and Meaning Meaning in context of game design: assess the value or significance of play Meaning is crucial because the design results in a system of interactions people object context meaning

Semiotics (not “symbology”) The study of how meanings are made Created by a linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (early 1900s) Example: symbols in rock-paper-scissors Another examples: classes in a game (mage, warrior) –What does a “mage” represents? And a warrior? Four semiotic concepts: –Sign represents something other than itself –Signs are interpreted –Meaning results when a sign is interpreted –Context shape interpretation

Sign represents something other than itself What is the meaning of “O” in Tic-Tac-Toe? Another Example: “!” Games use signs to denote actions and outcome (capturing an opponent’s piece, falling king in chess) Chains of signifiers: sequences of signs Examples? Words (sequences of characters)

Signs are interpreted Signs are assigned meaning because of surrounding context not because of the signs themselves Players are active interpreters of signs in games Example:

Meaning results when a sign is interpreted A sign stands for something to somebody in some aspect or capacity Other example: the role of a warrior or a mage in an MMO game –And perceived meaning is controversial (designer versus some players) Paladins in WOW: clerics or holy warriors?

Context shape interpretation Designer creates a context for the participant from which meaning emerges Classical example: word in a phrase Structure: set of regulations or guidelines that prescribe how signs are interpreted (example)example

Side Track: Lore: Designing Context Pay for a License or Not Use popular lore Licensing popular lore Create own lore