Abstract

Expressive Goals in Gameplay

Bard McKinley

Statement: The enjoyment derived from self expression creates a goal complexity beyond the standard procedural win state, thus the hybridization of systems which allow users to meet their expressive goals will change the nature of game and social networking development.

The need to define oneself as unique rests just beneath self-actualization on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, yet how does one create a distinct persona amid the ever expanding global community? The need to project distinctiveness has become essential not just within one’s professional field as specialization increases in importance, but as a necessary step in achieving a sense of autonomy. To express ourselves on the world stage we must form an individual pattern within the parameters of the technology which affords us this universal display. It is this expressive drive which has been instrumental in shaping the current technological climate, one in which we are ever refining and redefining who we are in terms of connection, voice, and image.

One essential definition of game is that it must have goals and of the game caveats, namely interactivity, struggle, structure, and endogenous meaning; goal is the one which occupies the greyest areas (Costikyan). As new audiences enter the realm of digital mediums they bring with them new expectations and initiatives, redefining previously accepted goals. In response to an expanding population looking towards games for enjoyment game developers are beginning to explore the grey area between game and self expression.

The personal story project developed by our group explores the possibilities of hybridizing game and self expression. The game creates parameters which allow for individual goal creation and execution, directing towards their own unique destination. This paper investigates other examples of expression directed games and the effectiveness of digital mediums as a transport toward a greater defined self within the global community.

Bard McKinley
Master in Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
bardmc@gmail.com
(646) 552 - 4726

References
Costikyan, Greg. I Have No Words & I Must Design: Toward a Critical Vocabulary for Games. Hogshead Publishing Ltd.,1994.