Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

52 | Frank Lantz on the Logic and Emotion of Games

Jun 24, 2019
Frank Lantz, a game designer and director at NYU's Game Center, dives into the fascinating world of games. He discusses the emotional resonance of gaming and its cultural significance, emphasizing games as an evolving form of art. Lantz contrasts the strategic depth of Go with the psychological chaos of poker, highlighting the unique cognitive experiences each offers. He explores how games shape personal identity and community connection, and the potential of gaming to foster personal growth. It's a captivating look at the interplay between logic and emotion in games.
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INSIGHT

Games as Interactive Art

  • A game is a cultural category, like an art form, with ambiguous boundaries.
  • It's the art form of interactivity, where meaning is created through player interaction.
INSIGHT

Non-Goal-Oriented Games

  • Goals, win/loss states are common game elements, but not essential.
  • Games can be about exploration and expression, like Second Life, blurring lines between game and virtual world.
ANECDOTE

Second Life Avatars

  • In Second Life, avatar creation reveals inner selves: idealized or fantastical.
  • Games provide performative identity play, like sports fandom's tribalism.
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