The Unpredictability of Gameplay - Mark R. Johnson

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The Unpredictability of Gameplay

By: Mark R. Johnson

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Hardcover | 27 December 2018

At a Glance

Hardcover
264 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.91

Hardcover

RRP $220.00

$192.99

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The Unpredictability of Gameplay explores the many forms of unpredictability in games and proposes the first ever theoretical framework for understanding and categorizing non-deterministic game mechanics. Rather than viewing all game mechanics with unpredictable outcomes as a single concept, Mark R. Johnson develops a three-part typology for such mechanics, distinguishing between randomness, chance, and luck in gameplay, from Civilization games and MMORPGs to slot machines. He further explores situations in which incomplete information - uncertainty - resembles chance, but in fact remains distinct from the three forms of unpredictability: uncertain games impose a veneer of perceived chance due to limited information, but are nonetheless deterministic.

Covering a range of game concepts using these frameworks,
The Unpredictability
of Gameplay
explores procedural generation, skill and mastery in gameplay, replay value and grinding, and player-made practices designed to reduce the level of luck in non-deterministic games. Throughout, Johnson demonstrates the importance of looking more deeply at unpredictability in games and game design and the various ways in which unpredictability manifests while offering an invaluable tool for game scholars and game designers seeking to integrate randomness, luck, chance or uncertainty into their work.

Industry Reviews

Unpredictability compels us to play games - now we know why. Johnson reveals that at the heart of gameplay is a deep philosophical question about how humans experience luck, chance and randomness. * Dr. Tom Brock, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK *
Mark R. Johnson's Unpredictability of Gameplay is an enlightening analysis of randomness, chance and luck, and is vital reading for anyone who has ever rolled some dice, dealt out cards, or run a generative algorithm. Mark pulls ideas from across human history, tying together the beliefs of ancient civilisations and the thinking of modern-day game designers and researchers, while putting forward a bold new way to talk about one of the most important ideas in game design. A challenging, interesting and thoughtful book; it will change the way you think about unpredictability. * Dr. Michael Cook, Research Fellow and Game Designer, Queen Mary University of London, UK *

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