Short answer
Focus on crafting a distinct and cohesive aesthetic and experiential quality to define or evolve a game genre, rather than solely relying on mechanical innovation.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture (2009)
- Method
- Comparative analysis and historical case study.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The evolution of video game genres is driven more by shared aesthetic qualities and player experiences than by specific game mechanics. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2009 study published in Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture. Using Comparative analysis and historical case study., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Focus on crafting a distinct and cohesive aesthetic and experiential quality to define or evolve a game genre, rather than solely relying on mechanical innovation.
Video Game Genres Evolve Through Aesthetic Innovation, Not Just Mechanics
The evolution of video game genres is driven more by shared aesthetic qualities and player experiences than by specific game mechanics.
Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture · 2009
Key Findings
- 01Video game genres differ from literary and film genres in their evolutionary patterns.
- 02Technological advancements significantly influence the establishment and development of video game genres.
- 03Genre is primarily rooted in shared aesthetic qualities and play-experiences (phenomenological and pragmatic qualities) rather than solely in game mechanics.
- 04Innovation in video game genres is linked to their evolutionary processes.
Application
Design takeaway
Focus on crafting a distinct and cohesive aesthetic and experiential quality to define or evolve a game genre, rather than solely relying on mechanical innovation.
How to apply
When designing a new game or updating an existing one within a genre, consider what core aesthetic and experiential elements define that genre for players and how these can be innovated upon.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing a game genre for your design project, consider the common aesthetic elements and player feelings that unite games in that genre.
- 02Explore how technological changes have influenced the evolution of your chosen genre.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a theoretical framework for understanding game genre evolution.
- +Offers a practical case study (FPS genre) to illustrate the proposed model.
Limitations
The specific historical context of the study might not fully apply to the very latest game genres or technologies.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliance on historical analysis and comparative methods may introduce subjectivity. Reliability could be enhanced by using multiple analysts for genre categorization and aesthetic assessment.
Think critically
If genre is rooted in aesthetics and experience, how can designers intentionally create entirely new genres rather than evolving existing ones?
Design Principles
"Genre identity is established through shared phenomenological and pragmatic qualities of the player experience."
Understanding this distinction is crucial for designers aiming to innovate within established genres or create new ones. Focusing on the 'play-experience' allows for greater flexibility in technological implementation while maintaining genre identity.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how a game *feels* to play, not just what you *do* in it, when you're trying to make a new game or a new type of game.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the theoretical underpinnings of genre in your design project, particularly when justifying your design choices based on creating a specific player experience.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that video game genres are primarily defined by their aesthetic qualities and the resulting player experiences, rather than solely by their underlying mechanics. This suggests that innovation within a genre can be achieved by focusing on novel aesthetic approaches and refining the phenomenological and pragmatic aspects of gameplay, even when utilizing different technical implementations.
Source
Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture
Video Game Genre, Evolution and Innovation
journal · 2009
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about video game genres evolve through aesthetic innovation, not just mechanics?
- Focus on crafting a distinct and cohesive aesthetic and experiential quality to define or evolve a game genre, rather than solely relying on mechanical innovation. Evidence: Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture (2009).
- Why does "Video Game Genres Evolve Through Aesthetic Innovation, Not Just Mechanics" matter for design?
- Understanding this distinction is crucial for designers aiming to innovate within established genres or create new ones. Focusing on the 'play-experience' allows for greater flexibility in technological implementation while maintaining genre identity.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Focus on crafting a distinct and cohesive aesthetic and experiential quality to define or evolve a game genre, rather than solely relying on mechanical innovation.
- What were the main findings?
- Video game genres differ from literary and film genres in their evolutionary patterns.. Technological advancements significantly influence the establishment and development of video game genres.. Genre is primarily rooted in shared aesthetic qualities and play-experiences (phenomenological and pragmatic qualities) rather than solely in game mechanics.. Innovation in video game genres is linked to their evolutionary processes.
- What research method was used?
- Comparative analysis and historical case study..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2009 journal from Eludamos Journal for Computer Game Culture.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new game or updating an existing one within a genre, consider what core aesthetic and experiential elements define that genre for players and how these can be innovated upon.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's focus on the First-Person Shooter genre may not fully represent the evolutionary dynamics of all video game genres.