Procedural rhetoric

Definition

Procedural rhetoric is the practice of using processes and rules inherent in games to make arguments and convey messages, often highlighting the relationships between actions and outcomes. This concept allows players to experience and engage with narratives through gameplay mechanics, which can lead to emergent narratives created by players based on their choices and interactions. It emphasizes the unique storytelling potential of video games by demonstrating how the rules of a game shape player experiences and interpretations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Procedural rhetoric emphasizes how gameplay mechanics can reflect social, political, or moral arguments, allowing players to engage with complex themes.
2. Through procedural rhetoric, players can create personal narratives based on their in-game decisions, demonstrating the interactive nature of storytelling in games.
3. This concept is especially relevant in games that challenge players' ethical choices, where the consequences of actions can lead to different outcomes.
4. Procedural rhetoric has gained recognition as a legitimate form of expression in the artistic evaluation of video games, reshaping perceptions of how games communicate messages.
5. The future of video games as an artistic medium hinges on the continued exploration of procedural rhetoric, enabling deeper player engagement and more meaningful experiences.

Review Questions

• How does procedural rhetoric enhance emergent gameplay and allow for player-created narratives?
  • Procedural rhetoric enhances emergent gameplay by allowing players to interact with the game's systems in ways that generate unique stories based on their decisions. By utilizing gameplay mechanics to convey messages, players can navigate through various outcomes influenced by their actions. This interplay between choice and consequence enables a dynamic narrative experience where players become co-authors of the game's story.
• In what ways does procedural rhetoric inform frameworks for analyzing video games as artistic works?
  • Procedural rhetoric informs analytical frameworks by highlighting how game mechanics serve as narrative devices that shape player experiences. This approach encourages critics to look beyond traditional storytelling methods in video games and consider how the design influences emotional engagement and thematic interpretation. By analyzing a game's procedural elements, scholars can better understand its artistic value and the complexities of its narrative structure.
• Evaluate the implications of procedural rhetoric on the future development of video games as an artistic medium.
  • The implications of procedural rhetoric on future game development are profound, as it invites creators to focus on the interaction between players and game systems to foster meaningful narratives. As developers experiment with more sophisticated mechanics that reflect social issues or ethical dilemmas, video games can evolve into powerful tools for storytelling and expression. This growth could lead to a broader acceptance of video games as serious art forms, paving the way for innovative designs that prioritize player agency and narrative depth.

Related terms

Game Mechanics: The rules and systems that govern how a game operates, influencing player behavior and experience.

Emergent Gameplay: Gameplay that arises from the interactions of simple rules and mechanics, leading to complex outcomes and player-created experiences.

Narrative Design: The craft of structuring a game’s story, integrating plot, character development, and thematic elements into the gameplay.