Meaning in Videogames: Ludonarrative Loops, Friction, and Philosophical Play

Abstract

This paper looks at the current discourse surrounding meaning generation in videogames. We examine theories on the generation of meaning through narratives, and game mechanics and action. Recognising their effectiveness, we present an alternative based on the friction between narrative, mechanics, and action for generating meaning. Our primary goal is to complement existing paradigms, thus presenting creatives with a broader notion of how the articulation of game spaces and properties catalyse meaning. Our second goal is to elucidate on abstract concepts that have been explored through this ludonarrative friction. We use a qualitative and argumentative approach, based on in-depth assessments of some case studies. We find that: 1) meaning can be generated through ludonarrative friction; 2) designers have different pathways for projecting meaning in their games; 3) players often embody structural power through mechanics, perspective and physics; 4) thoughtful games frequently dispute our perception of a permanent and always rational self; 5) morality is challenging and context-dependent, often with substantial personal cost; 6) games can translate ideology or trauma into mechanics the player must interact directly with; and 7) games embrace the temporal deconstruction of meaning. Considering ludonarrative friction, future studies must embrace different ideas outside the ideological frame addressed here.