Monkey see, monkey do: an ecological approach to challenges in games

Abstract

Games, whether they are digital games, tabletop games or sports, basically challenge two aspects of human nature: our ability to choose appropriate actions and our ability to perform appropriate actions. Expressed in theoretical terms games are constituted by exploratory and performatory challenges. I will claim that this distinction is the key to understanding the experience of playing a specific game and what kind of skills and knowledge the game demands of its player. In this talk I will build upon this claim in order to discuss the following themes: • Categories of games --One framework for digital games, tabletop games and sports. • The role of coaches -- Sharing the performatory and exploratory work. • Backseat gaming -- The pleasure of sitting next to a gamer. • The illusion of learning -- How digital games can give us an effortless sensation of accomplishment.