Ludo-narrativism as Bogost’s proceduralism in the light of the ludology-narratology debate

Marcin Petrowicz

doi:10.18778/2391-8551.1.09

Authors

Marcin Petrowicz Uniwersytet Jagielloński

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/2391-8551.1.09

Keywords:

ludology vs narratology debate, Ian Bogost, proceduralism

Abstract

The ludology-narratology dispute has been dismissed and neglected by many researchers. Theorists on both sides of the conflict created theories assimilating the concepts of their opponents. However, in my opinion, Ian Bogost — a scientist not involved in the dispute — has the most interesting solution to the problem. Bogost’s basic concepts — unit operations comparative criticism and procedural rhetoric theory – combine interpretations of game rules with those of narratives. The achievements of Bogost seem less known and appreciated in the Polish game studies. In this article, I will present the basic theories from Bogost’s main books: Unit Operations: An Approach to Videogame Criticism and Persuasive Games: The Expressive Power of Videogames in the context of ludology versus narratology debate.

Author Biography

Marcin Petrowicz, Uniwersytet Jagielloński

mgr Marcin Petrowicz — doktorant w Instytucie Sztuk Audiowizualnych Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, przewodniczący krakowskiego Koła Polskiego Towarzystwa Badania Gier, naukowo zajmuje się grami – nie tylko komputerowymi, przede wszystkim w zakresie projektowania reguł i mechaniki.

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