Ambedic Actions: Definition and Taxonomy of a New Game Mechanics Category
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Abstract
This research identifies components within existing video games that demonstrate similar characteristics in their lack of interaction with other in-game systems. The research proposes to unite these components under the term “ambedic” to promote clarity in future research. The research utilises a practice-led approach in its methodology, combining several methods from different disciplines for each part of the process. A combination of formal analysis and MDA framework lenses is used in the initial investigation of existing media to produce a series of archetypes of ambedicity. Practical considerations are used to choose two early arcade-era games to clone to provide a context within which new ambedic actions are generated. The development of these actions is analysed using autoethnography to produce insight into how future game designers may approach implementing ambedicity within a future game. This research presents the term “ambedic” alongside an investigation of archetypal forms of ambedicity in video games. Furthermore, this research examines how ambedic components may influence the play experience of a player in a video game. It concludes with a discussion of future research pathways that may emerge from the creation of this new niche of components in game design.