Do We Need Real-Time Hermeneutics? Structures of Meaning in Games

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Games differ from most other forms of media by being procedural and interactive.

“Games differ from most other forms of media by being procedural and interactive.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In order to understand the meanings created by games, it is usually sufficient to consider the level of mechanics or procedures.

“But in order to understand the meanings created by games, it is usually sufficient to consider the level of mechanics or procedures (Wardrip-Fruin 2009).”

• cites Wardrip-Fruin 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Games are procedural systems: systems with internal logics based on algorithms.

“Games are not just any kinds of systems: they are procedural systems.”

• Also stated in: § GAMES AS PROCEDURAL SYSTEMS · plain

  “The internal logics of games are based on algorithms, which create changes in the structures within games.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The meaning of games is in part a function of the ideas of those who think about them.

“There is overwhelming evidence in all this that the meaning of games is, in part, a function of the ideas of those who think about them.”

• cites Avedon and Sutton-Smith (1971, 438) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Games can be seen as interactive systems.

“As shown earlier, and argued more thoroughly by e.g.Crookall et al (1987), Aarseth (1997) and Salen and Zimmerman (2004) games can be seen as interactive systems 1 .”

• cites Crookall et al (1987)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Aarseth (1997) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Salen and Zimmerman (2004)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The frames enable diverse fusions of different categories of time, which may then be used in creating a more fine-grained framework of temporality.

“The frames enable diverse fusions of different categories of time, which may then be used in creating a more fine-grained framework of temporality.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The four temporal frames used in analysing time in video games are real-world time, game world time, coordination time, and fictive time.

“The four temporal frames used in analysing time in video games are real-world time, game world time, coordination time, and fictive time (Zagal and Mateas 2010).”

• cites Zagal and Mateas 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Jensen separates three forms of interaction in sociology, communications, and informatics.

“Jensen (1998) separates three different forms of interaction in three different academic fields: sociology, communications and informatics 2 .”

• cites Jensen (1998)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The time that progresses within a game is fictional time.

“The time that progresses within a game is fictional time (Juul 2005).”

• cites Juul 2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When the passing of physical time in the case of Fable affects the time in the game, it affects game world time.

“When the passing of physical time in the case of Fable affects the time in the game, it affects game world time.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

While Aarseth's distinction is qualitative, the question of temporality can also be approached as a quantitative one.

“While Aarseth's distinction is qualitative, we may also approach the question as a quantitative one.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Time can be treated as a quantitative substance.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The primary level of temporal frames is the experiential level as this is the level that directly affects the player.

“The primary level of temporal frames is the experiential level as this is the level that directly affects the player.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Meaning is partly a product of the pre-understandings and opinions of the interpreter; this is true of all objects of interpretation, including games.

“That meaning is partly a product of the pre-understandings and opinions of the interpreter is in no way a controversial hermeneutic statement (e.g.Grondin 1994).This is true of all objects of interpretation, and thus also of games.”

• cites Grondin 1994Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Genette (1987, 95) analyses different relations between narrative time and story time with formulas: Pause, Scene, Summary, Ellipsis.

“Genette (1987, 95) analyses different relations between these with the following formulas: 6 1. Pause: NT = n, ST = 0. Thus: NT ∞ > ST 2. Scene: NT = ST 3. Summary: NT < ST 4. Ellipsis: NT = 0, ST = n.Thus: NT < ∞ ST”

• cites Genette 1987Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

A game supports some interpretations and opposes some, though there is not only one possible correct interpretation of the game itself.

“This does not mean that there is only one possible correct interpretation of the game itself, but that the game supports some and opposes some interpretations.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Dead time varies from play time and event time by being a category of experience of time, not a category of temporality in the media itself.

“This varies from play time and event time by being a category of experience of time, not a category of temporality in the media itself.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Juul's concepts of play time and event time can be contrasted with Genette's (1987) concepts of narrative time (time of narrating the story) and story time (time within the story).

“Juul's concepts of play time and event time can be contrasted with Genette's (1987) concepts of narrative time (time of narrating the story) and story time (time within the story) 5 .”

• cites Genette 1987Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

One of the ways of analysing temporality is by using separate frames of temporality for different aspects of the game.

“One of the ways of analysing temporality is by using separate frames of temporality for different aspects of the game (Zagal and Mateas 2010).”

• cites Zagal and Mateas 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Pauses are not unique to games: they can also occur (for example) in literature.

“Pauses are not unique to games: they can also occur (for example) in literature (as per Genette 1987).”

• cites Genette 1987Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The hardware level is in most cases irrelevant, because the changes happen so fast as to be imperceptible to the player.

“The hardware level is in most cases irrelevant, because the changes happen so fast as to be imperceptible to the player.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

This highlights the need to separate the experience of time from the passage of (fictional or objective) time, as also Zagal and Mateas (2010) emphasise.

“This highlights the need to separate the experience of time from the passage of (fictional or objective) time, as also Zagal and Mateas (2010) emphasise.”

• cites Zagal and Mateas 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Games can either be transient or intransient.

“Games can either be transient or intransient.”

May combine two claims.

These frames often co-exist or occur successively, as shown in an example by Zagal and Mateas (2010, 853).

“These frames often co-exist or occur successively, as shown in an example by Zagal and Mateas (2010, 853):”

• cites Zagal and Mateas 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Third-order dependency is a relationship between exchanged messages, requiring an exchange of information.

“Third-order dependency translates as a relationship between exchanged messages, i.e. reference to earlier transmissions.This condition adds the requirement for an exchange of information, e.g.communication.”

• cites Kiousis (2002, 372) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Jensen's definition relates interactivity to the medium; interactivity is seen as defining the media and the technology used.

“A central element of Jensen's (1998) definition is that it relates interactivity to the medium.Interactivity is seen as defining the media, and thus the technology used.”

• cites Jensen (1998)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

As can be seen from earlier, this relation can be seen as more complex.

“As can be seen from earlier, this relation can be seen as more complex.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The interaction happens while the game is played, making the time taken to interpret an important issue.

“The interaction happens while the game is played, making the time taken to interpret an important issue.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Juul (2004;2005) uses the concept of dead time to describe time in games that is experienced as dull, repeating and not entertaining.

“Additionally, Juul (2004;2005) uses the concept of dead time to describe time in games that is experienced as dull, repeating and not entertaining.”

• cites Juul 2004;2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Games are an interactive media in the sense of interactivity.

“This is in line with what Jensen (1998) writes: games are an interactive (in the sense of interactivity) media.”

• cites Jensen (1998)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

State changes can happen on the hardware level, game world level, and real-world level.

“State changes can happen on the hardware level, game world level, and real-world level.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

In texts where the time limit is sufficiently prolonged, the reader may never experience the limit; such texts are theoretically transient but intransient for all practical intents and purposes.

“In texts where the time limit is sufficiently prolonged the reader may never experience the limit.These texts are theoretically transient, but intransient for all practical intents and purposes.4”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Interactivity has many interconnected meanings, many of which are ideological.

“Interactivity has many interconnected meanings, many of which are ideological.”

May combine two claims.

In games, the interpretations a player makes during the game influence his or her actions and subsequently success in the game.

“The interpretations a player makes during the game influence his or her actions, and subsequently, success in the game.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Aarseth claims that a game requires analysis practiced as performance, with direct feedback from the system, a dynamic real-time hermeneutics that lacks a corresponding structure in film or literature.

“While the interpretation of a literary or filmatic work will require certain analytical skills, the game requires analysis practiced as performance, with direct feedback from the system.This is a dynamic, real-time hermeneutics that lacks a corresponding structure in film or literature.”

• cites Aarseth (2003, 5)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The important exceptions to hardware level irrelevance are hardware freezes and crashes.

“The important exceptions are hardware freezes and crashes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These five distinctions seem to be meaningful differences, although not all of them equally so: literature and cinema tend also to be chronological, with exceptions similar to the ones found in games.

“These seem to be meaningful differences, although not all of them equally so: literature and cinema tend also to be chronological, with exceptions similar to the ones found in games.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

According to Juul (2005, 160) there are five important distinctions between the categories of time he uses and the categories of traditional narratology.

“According to Juul (2005, 160) there are five important distinctions between the categories of time he uses and the categories of traditional narratology:”

• cites Juul 2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Games are in constant procedural change and in interaction with their players, which affects how they can be interpreted.

“The fact that games are in constant procedural change and in interaction with their players affect how they can be interpreted.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These four temporal frames relate mostly to the experiential level, but there is some blurring of categories, as some also refer to the real-world level.

“These relate mostly to the experiential level, but there is some blurring of categories, as some also refer to the real-world level.”

May combine two claims.

There are different speeds of interactive, which may still be seen as happening in real-time - just not very quickly.

“There are different speeds of interactive, which may still be seen as happening in real-time -just not very quickly.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Abstract games have game world time (A happens before B), but do not necessarily have fictive time, e.g. narrative.

“Abstract games have game world time (A happens before B), but do not necessarily have fictive time, e.g.narrative.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The passing of time affects the player and through him or her, the game.

“The passing of time affects the player and through him or her, the game.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Interaction requires communication, but not the other way around.

“Interaction requires communication, but not the other way around.”

• cites Jensen (1998)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The distinction between abstract games and games that contain a fictional narrative is important, but this can further be elaborated with the temporal frames presented earlier.

“The distinction between abstract games and games that contain a fictional narrative is important, but this can further be elaborated with the temporal frames presented earlier.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The quantitative approach to temporality is relevant when examining game temporality.

“It is also relevant when examining game temporality.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Time can be treated as a quantitative substance.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Some games (e.g. Fable, Lionhead Studios 2004) do this more directly, with the passing of physical time directly affecting the game time.

“Some games (e.g.Fable, Lionhead Studios 2004) do this more directly, with the passing of physical time directly affecting the game time.”

• cites Fable, Lionhead Studios 2004Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The real-world level changes can relate to the passing of time outside the game, i.e. changes in the context of gaming.

“The real-world level changes can relate, for example, to the passing of time outside the game, i.e. changes in the context of gaming.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Kiousis's definition of interactivity adds third-order dependency and human experience.

“Kiousis (2002, 372) gives a similar definition, but adds two elements, third-order dependency and human experience:”

• cites Kiousis (2002, 372) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Aarseth's categories of temporality are qualities of the text, but the examination can be extended to the level of actual reading.

“Aarseth's categories of temporality are qualities of the text, but it is also possible to extend the examination to level of actual reading.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In transient games, things happen if time passes without the player doing anything; in intransient games, they do not.

“If we were to translate Aarseth's conception of transiency to games, it would say that in some games things happen if time passes without the player doing anything (transient), and in some games they do not (intransient).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Juul considers games as state machines, with the player initiating changes in the game states that move the game forward.

“He considers games as state machines, with the player initiating changes in the game states that move the game forward.”

• cites Juul 2004;2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

This example shows how these frames interact with the player and each other.

“This example shows how these frames interact with the player and each other.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Zagal and Mateas (2010) use this framework to show that the simple distinction of real-time-turn-based is not sufficiently analytical.

“Zagal and Mateas (2010) use this framework to show that the simple distinction of real-time-turn-based is not sufficiently analytical.”

• cites Zagal and Mateas 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Games may contain systems for limiting player actions in order to keep them synchronised.

“Games may contain systems for limiting player actions in order to keep them synchronised.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Interaction in informatics relates to human-computer interaction (HCI); interaction takes place when a person operates a machine.

“Interaction in the informatics is related to interaction between people and machines, usually referred to as human-computer interaction (HCI) or man-machine interaction.”

• Also stated in: § Three Forms of Interaction · plain

  “In this sense, interaction takes place when a person operates a machine.”

• cites Jensen 1998Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Games are also interactive systems: the player must also be taken into consideration.

“However, this is not enough, as games are also interactive systems: the player must also be taken into consideration.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The question of player interpretation is perhaps better answered with the help of temporal frames.

“This question of player interpretation is perhaps better answered with the help of temporal frames.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This makes hermeneutic inquiry a necessary part of understanding games.

“This makes hermeneutic inquiry a necessary part of understanding games.”

May combine two claims.

Weberman discusses the examples of artworks, texts and historical events, but the same applies to games.

“Weberman (2000, 53) discusses the examples of artworks, texts and historical events, but the same applies to games:”

• cites Weberman 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This does not help the player much in forming interpretations during the game.

“Unfortunately, this does not help the player much in forming interpretations during the game.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Interpreting games may contain two different questions of interpretation: first, what is the meaning of the game itself as an object of understanding; and second, what interpretations does the player make during the game.

“However, interpreting games may contain two different questions of interpretation.First, what is the meaning of the game itself as an object of understanding?And second, what interpretations does the player make during the game?”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Players form interpretations during the game.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Temporal distance gives us a broader horizon of interpretation, enabling better interpretations as time goes by.

“Fortunately, temporal distance gives us a broader horizon of interpretation, enabling better interpretations as time goes by.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

When considering the meaning in games, we have to take into consideration their procedural nature, interactivity in its full meaning and their temporality.

“When considering the meaning in games, we have to take into consideration their procedural nature, interactivity in its full meaning and their temporality.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

What seems insignificant for us may prove to be important for later researchers.

“What seems insignificant for us may prove to be important for later researchers.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The temporality found in games is more complex than it first seems.

“The temporality found in games is more complex than it first seems.”

May combine two claims.

While most objects of interpretation are relatively temporally stable, games change due to their procedural nature.

“While most objects of interpretation are relatively temporally stable, games change due to their procedural nature.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This requires understanding games as systems that change at the procedural level.

“This requires understanding games as systems that change at the procedural level.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Understanding games as interactive procedural systems is made easier with the distinction made by Weberman (2000) between relational and intrinsic properties.

“Understanding games as interactive procedural systems is made easier with the distinction made by Weberman (2000).”

• cites Weberman 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Their meaning is never completely exhausted by the interpreter trying to understand the objects in their current context, for it is possible that the context changes, and thus the meaning also changes.

“Their meaning is never completely exhausted by the interpreter trying to understand the objects in their current context, for it is possible that the context changes, and thus the meaning also changes.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Better interpretations lead to better gaming, and so players can know if they are misunderstanding by failing to succeed in their goals.

“Better interpretations lead to better gaming, and so players can know if they are misunderstanding by failing to succeed in their goals.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Better interpretations lead to better gaming.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Players can know if they are misunderstanding by failing to succeed in their goals.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This is an encouraging conclusion when history is concerned, but not so when considering real-time game hermeneutics.

“This is an encouraging conclusion when history is concerned, but not so when considering real-time game hermeneutics.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: There is rarely the possibility of temporal distance when playing a game.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Time gives room for better interpretations to emerge.

“Time gives room for better interpretations to emerge.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

While there is no one complete and final interpretation to be made, there is the possibility of improving interpretations.

“While there is no one complete and final interpretation to be made, there is the possibility of improving interpretations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This makes the meaning both continually incomplete and inexhaustible.

“This makes the meaning both continually incomplete and inexhaustible.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

There is also a distinct problem with realtime hermeneutics that is highlighted by the concept of incompleteness.

“There is also distinct problem with realtime hermeneutics that is highlighted by the concept of incompleteness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This enables making new interpretations that take into account earlier ones.

“This enables making new interpretations that take into account earlier ones.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

As time goes by, the context of interpretation widens and new relations enter the picture.

“As time goes by, the context of interpretation widens and new relations enter the picture.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Instead, the player must rely on different cultural meanings filtered through temporal frames and the fact that games as interactive systems give feedback on the success of interpretations.

“Instead, he or she must rely on different cultural meanings filtered though temporal frames and the fact that games as interactive systems give feedback on the success of interpretations.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Games as interactive systems give feedback on the success of interpretations.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The player affects their operation and therefore their meaning.

“The player affects their operation and therefore their meaning.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The first question (meaning of the game itself) helps us in understanding games in general, and shows the relevance of hermeneutic inquiry.

“The first question helps us in understanding games in general, and shows the relevance of hermeneutic inquiry.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This change may be relatively minor, or may lead to drastic changes in the properties of the game (not on the level of code, but on the level of interaction and experience).

“This change may be relatively minor, or may lead to drastic changes in the properties of the game (not on the level of code, but on the level of interaction and experience).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Games are interactive in two senses: 1) they enable interaction between players i.e. multiplayer games, and 2) they are an interactive media that the user controls.

“Games are interactive in two senses: 1) they enable interaction between players i.e. multiplayer games, and 2) they are an interactive media that the user controls.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This makes their meaning constantly incomplete; there is no final interpretation of what a game means.

“This makes their meaning constantly incomplete; there is no final interpretation of what a game means.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This makes interpretations about games difficult - real-time hermeneutics does not seem a simple concept, but a collection of interrelated concepts.

“This makes interpretations about them difficult -real-time hermeneutics does not seem a simple concept, but a collection of interrelated concepts.”