Gaming is unlikely: A Theory of Ludic Action

The authors explore the concept of game, justifying and unfolding it around the lure and threat of the unexpected. They place their theory of ludic action in classical concepts of the game and in the current discourse of game studies. They outline the phenomenal multiplicity of games in historical perspective and structure it systematically. They also examine the media-technical and communicative preconditions of the computer game boom and reflect on the discussion about escalations of ludic violence. Additionally, they critically examine the instrumentalization of games, which is becoming increasingly popular under the heading of gamification. The book also brings into connection the conspicuous inflation of the game metaphor with ludic connotations in the social structures of modern and digital society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Springer

A captivating concept of game emerges, intricately woven around the allure and peril of the unexpected. The author duo skillfully integrates their theory of ludic action into classical notions of the game, as well as the vibrant discourse of game studies. They present a comprehensive overview of the vast tapestry of games, tracing their historical evolution and organizing them in a systematic manner. The authors delve into the media-technical and communicative preconditions that fueled the explosive growth of computer games, engaging in a thoughtful reflection on the ongoing discussions surrounding escalations of ludic violence. Furthermore, they critically examine the growing trend of instrumentalization of games, often referred to as gamification, shedding light on its implications within the social structures of modern and digital society.

Fabian Arlt, a media management scholar, currently pursues his doctorate in social and business communication at the esteemed University of the Arts (UdK) in Berlin. Alongside him, Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Arlt, a renowned social scientist and publicist, serves as an instructor at the Institute for Theory and Practice of Communication within the same university. This book, a faithful translation of an original German edition, has undergone a meticulous process of translation aided by artificial intelligence (machine translation by the service DeepL.com). However, a subsequent human revision primarily focused on content was conducted to ensure that the book exhibits a distinct stylistic quality, deviating from conventional translations.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658399634
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023