Ludologists vs Narratologists (By Elunga Mkunde)

 Ludologists vs narratologists

By Elunga Mkunde

 

My thoughts regarding the discussion or debate on ludologists and narratologists. I will begin by evaluating each from my understanding. Ludologists believe and insist that video games should be interpreted purely on systems they create, such as rules, gameplay, and player action free of narrative or rhetoric. Apposing ideology being narratologists, which beliefs conclude of viewing games as another form of narrative expression, similar to films or other art forms, relegating systems and mechanics as secondary concerning the story or expression of which a game is attempting to convey.

From my perspective, understanding, and experience of playing video games, I do not think that this discussion should be a debate. Both ideologies are somewhat correct in some respects and incorrect in others, for example, a Ludologists thinks that Last of Us Part 2 can only be understood by rules and systems, however, would reject a narrative is being conveyed. With narratologists thinking Tetris having a narrative to convey. I would argue that both concepts are closely interconnected and nearly difficult to separate, based on my current understanding of video games, I believe video games are an art form and should be treated as such. A majority of video games being made today utilise mechanics and systems to convey a narrative.

If I were to decide which side I agree with, I would lean towards narratology due to the perspective I hold relating to art and experience of playing video games. Art exists to convey or communicate things we call narratives or points.

Research includes

(Ludology meets Narratology by Gonzalo Frasca https://ludology.typepad.com/weblog/articles/ludology.htm)

(Simulation versus narrative Gonzalo Frasca https://www.phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de/fileadmin/Redaktion/Institute/Kultur_und_Medien/Medien_und_Kulturwissenschaft/Dozenten/Szentivanyi/Computerspielanalyse_aus_kulturwissenschaftlicher_Sicht/frasca.pdf)

(The Last Word on Ludology v Narratology in Game Studies by Janet H. Murray, Ph.D file:///C:/Users/User/Dropbox/My%20PC%20(DESKTOP-34NUCD9)/Downloads/LastWordonLudology_NarratologiMurray.pdf)

 (Narrative, Games, and Theory by Jan Simons http://gamestudies.org/0701/articles/simons)