[MUD-Dev] DGN: Reasons for play[was: EmergentBehaviors spawnedfrom...]

[Pandora]

cruise wrote:

> If /just/ observation is your goal, why are you playing a game,
> and not watching a movie? Arguably you could have an exploration
> only "game" (for want of a better term), which allows a player to
> explore varied scenery (I can imagine a SimGlobe, that the player
> can fly round to watch sunsets from a mountain, or herds of
> wonderful lifeforms migrate across plains, etc.). But
> fundementally, that's cognitively the same as choosing which movie
> to watch.

You wouldn't agree that choosing which movie to watch can become a
rather comical game?  Sure the /movie/ isn't a game, but the dance
of indecision, asking acquaintences, warding off salesmen, avoiding
late fees, that's a game.  Not a very fun one, but still a game.

I think the game "Pokemon Snap" was one of those things that you say
aren't a game.  I haven't played it, but it looked like pretty much
just that.  Your goal is to create unique and interesting
photographs, travelling around a virtual savannah with critters in
it that just won't stay still gosh darnit.

> Mountain climbers may get spectacular views once they reach their
> goal, but that isn't why they climbed the mountain.

I whole heartedly, and unwaveringly disagree.  If people didn't care
about the views they wouldn't climb the mountain.  Or the smells, or
the physical exertion, or any number of sensations.  People don't
climb mountains because they want to beat the mountain: they climb
it because it's there.

> While observational goals shouldn't be ignored (such as
> storyline), it isn't the /defining/ aspect of a game.

I think every aspect should be taken equally, or at least according
to your target audience.  Some people like competition and the
thrill of being able to lose.  But don't discount the ones who are
there for the experience: I can't even say we're a minority, only
quieter than the hardcore gamerz.

I mean... was I the only person who in Jak and Daxter went out to
perch on Sentital Rock for 20 minutes watching the colors change as
the sun went down?  It's competition worshipping attitudes that made
Jak II, though a better game overall, not much fun at all to play.
:(
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