Ren Reynolds, resident philosopher at Terra Nova, takes over the mantle on one of my favourite topics: what, he asks, is a game? His definition:
A computer game is a game where at least some of the bounds of game-acts are essentially controlled by information technology.
I appreciate Ren's extensive analysis (documented in full here), but why is the word being defined in the definition? Confusing. Also, without reading the thought processes which led him there, the definition is vague. What, for example, is a "game-act"?
If you'd like to contribute to the debate, and to wrestle with the roles of Displays of Action, Decision Making, Boundaries and Negotiations in computerised entertainment, please, by all means, do.
Alternatively, if you want to talk narratology (story) versus ludology (play), head to PJ's Attic (.pdf) for a white paper outlining the ongoing conversation.
