There is no magic circle : on the difference between computer games and traditional games

  • This text compares the special characteristics of the game space in computer-generated environments with that in non-computerized playing-situations. Herewith, the concept of the magic circle as a deliberately delineated playing sphere with specific rules to be upheld by the players, is challenged. Yet, computer games also provide a virtual playing environment containing the rules of the game as well as the various action possibilities. But both the hardware and software facilitate the player’s actions rather than constraining them. This makes computer games fundamentally different: in contrast to traditional game spaces or limits, the computer-generated environment does not rely on the awareness of the player in upholding these rules. – Thus, there is no magic circle.

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Metadaten
Author details:Michael Liebe
URN:urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-24597
Publication type:Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Publication year:2008
Publishing institution:Universität Potsdam
Release date:2008/12/23
Organizational units:Philosophische Fakultät / Institut für Künste und Medien
DDC classification:7 Künste und Unterhaltung / 70 Künste / 700 Künste; Bildende und angewandte Kunst
Collection(s):Universität Potsdam / Tagungsbände/Proceedings (nicht fortlaufend) / Conference Proceedings of The Philosophy of Computer Games 2008 / The Magic Circle
Universität Potsdam / Schriftenreihen / DIGAREC Series, ISSN 1867-6227 / DIGAREC Series (2008) 01 / The Magic Circle
License (German):License LogoKeine öffentliche Lizenz: Unter Urheberrechtsschutz
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