Engaging Players: The Dynamics of MUDs and Game Design

This chapter examines Brenda Laurel's theories on games as immersive theatrical experiences while critiquing their limitations through Aarseth's perspective on gameplay mechanics. It explores the evolution of MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) as precursors to multiplayer online games, emphasizing user agency and the blend of narrative and gameplay. The discussion links the social dynamics of MUDs to contemporary social media interactions, highlighting the complexities of identity and communication in digital spaces.