A Hermeneutical Approach to Role-Playing Analysis

May combine two claims.

The social contract of role-playing is constructed and enforced similarly to other social contracts, rarely made explicit, and enforced only by social pressure.

“This social contract is constructed and enforced similarly to other social contracts, meaning that it is rarely made explicit (see Montola 2005), and is enforced only by social pressure.”

• cites Montola 2005 sourcePartly supported

  The paper describes role-players’ “implicit consequence negotiation” (Abstract), which supports the idea that some expectations are left unstated. It does not say that the social contract is rarely made explicit or enforced only by social pressure; the Meaningful Role-Play section also gives an example of an explicit community rule. (LLM, conf=0.72)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

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

The hermeneutical approach presented provides a potential bridge between schools of role-playing thought and a translation platform for moving theories and research results across role-playing cultures.

“The result is one potential bridge between various schools of thought on looking at role-playing, including a translation platform capable of enabling the move of theories and research results from one roleplaying culture to the next.”

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

The bias from one's native playing paradigm can be at least partially bypassed through the use of hermeneutical methods.

“This, however, can be at least partially bypassed through the use of hermeneutical methods.”

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

Within the game's internal reality, ephemera must always make sense.

“Within the game's internal reality, ephemera must always make sense.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

What opposes the hermeneutical process is the need of an interpreter to hang on to previous beliefs and defend his own particular interpretation.

“What opposes the process is the need of an interpreter to hang on to his previous beliefs, to defend his own particular interpretation.”

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

Pre-understanding affects not only reception but also the presentation of findings, up to and including the language used.

“The pre-understanding affects not only reception but also the presentation of findings, up to and including the language used.”

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

Authors of dominant theories are usually more resistant to theory canonization but are affected by criticism of their own work, which reinforces the effect.

“The authors of the dominant theories themselves are usually more resistant to this pattern of thought, but are naturally affected by what they see as criticism of their own work, which in turn reinforces the effect.”

May combine two claims.

Nephew's view of role-playing as a manifestation of male sexual fantasies may be accurate on North-American males but is incompatible with the fact that in some Nordic areas female larpers are a clear majority.

“A similar case is Nephew's (2003) view on role-playing as a manifestation of male sexual fantasies, which, while possibly accurate on North-American males, is quite incompatible with the fact that in some Nordic areas female larpers are a clear majority (Fatland 2005a).”

• cites Nephew 2003Not matched

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

• cites Fatland 2005aNot 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), S4 (based).

Through one reductionist approach, game elements can be confined to a single level of actuation for the purposes of study.

“Through one reductionist approach, game elements can be confined to a single level of actuation for the purposes of study.”

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

Theory canonization happens when a singular interpretation gains a position of dominance within a gaming paradigm.

“Theory canonization happens when a singular interpretation gains a position of dominance within a gaming paradigm.”

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

The evocation in role-playing is autotelic by nature, i.e. enjoyment-creating by itself, as long as the game is good.

“The evocation is autotelic by nature, i.e. enjoyment-creating by itself -as long as the game is good, at least (Harviainen 2006).”

• cites Harviainen 2006Not 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.

In these terms, Edwards' Creative Agendas represent IPM that are affected by EPM concerns and manifest through both CM and arbitration on the collective diegesis.

“In these terms, Edwards' Creative Agendas represent IPM that are affected by EPM concerns and manifest through both CM and arbitration on the collective diegesis.”

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

The role-playing experience is inherently the result of multiple subjectivities, breaking the illusion of a purely objective meaning.

“In this way it becomes apparent that the roleplaying experience is inherently the result of multiple subjectivities, breaking the illusion of a purely objective meaning.”

• cites Nephew 2003Not matched

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

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In general, role-playing game motives can be divided into three categories: External participant motivations, Internal participant motivations, and Character Motivations.

“In general, role-playing game motives can be further divided into three categories.”

• cites Harviainen 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), S4 (based).

Role-playing theories are seldom directly applicable over paradigm lines and require more adaptation the further the differences between paradigms are.

“Role-playing theories are seldom directly applicable over paradigm lines, and require more adaptation the further the differences between paradigms are.”

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

From a hermeneutic perspective, role-playing games consist of the intentional evocation of artificial experiences through the use of fictional characters as masks/identities/personas.

“From a hermeneutic perspective, role-playing games consist of the intentional evocation of artificial experiences through the use of fictional characters as masks/identities/personas (for more on the play-theory ideas this view is based upon, see Huizinga 1939).”

• cites Huizinga 1939Not 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).

Diegetic elements, or ephemera in Edwards' terminology, seem to make complete sense only when interpreted through the diegetic whole.

“Likewise, diegetic elements, or ephemera in Edwards' terminology (2004), seem to make complete sense only when interpreted through the diegetic whole.”

• cites Edwards 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 S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Normative role-playing paradigms are local cultural preferences on what is valid or good role-playing, the basic requirements of role-playing, or valid study of role-playing.

“They are local cultural preferences on what is to be considered as valid or good role-playing, as the basic requirements of role-playing or as valid study of role-playing.”

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

Role-playing is not psychodrama because it lacks a narrative matrix directly tied to a desired function.

“Nor is it psychodrama, as it lacks a narrative matrix directly tied to a desired function (Flood 2006;Sonesson 2000).”

• cites Flood 2006Not matched

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

• cites Sonesson 2000Not 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).

When a theory does not seem functional in a different paradigm, this may be due to prejudices inherent to the receiving paradigm, faults in the theory, or a combination of both.

“What must be recognized, though, is that when a theory does not seem at all functional in a different paradigm, this may be due to the prejudices inherent to that receiving paradigm, faults in the theory, or a combination of both.”

May combine two claims.

Platform changes affect the player/CA relationship; a player who is always highly gamist in any tabletop or online role-playing game can nevertheless be a simulationist in a larp environment.

“Platform changes affect the player/CA relationship -a player who is always highly gamist in any tabletop or online role-playing game can nevertheless be a simulationist in a larp environment.”

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

Theory canonization is a predilection to use the discourse tools of the dominant interpretative frame to explain and appraise new games and new theoretical material, both from within the native paradigm and from outsiders.

“It is a predilection to use the discourse tools of that dominant interpretative frame to explain and appraise new games and new theoretical material, both from within the native paradigm and coming from outsiders.”

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

According to Edwards, based on Kim, players can be classified according to their Creative Agendas as Gamist, Narrativist or Simulationist, with each type having a favored form of playing that gives them the most enjoyment.

“For example, according to Edwards (2001-, based on Kim 1998), players can be classified according to their Creative Agendas (CA) as Gamist, Narrativist or Simulationist, with each of these types having a favored form of playing that gives them the most enjoyment.”

• cites Edwards 2001Not matched

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

• cites Kim 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 S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Theory canonization mostly affects people who produce material ancillary or complementary to the dominant theory.

“A curious part of this is that the phenomenon mostly affects people who produce material ancillary or complementary to the dominant theory.”

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

Role-playing is a form of heuristic fiction.

“Role-playing is a form of heuristic fiction.”

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

Any attempt to directly apply Edwards' and Kim's GNS categories on a Nordic experientialist larp is impossible because that paradigm considers competitive play problem behavior rather than good role-playing.

“For example, any attempt to directly apply Edwards' and Kim's GNS-categories on a Nordic experientialist larp is impossible, due to that paradigm considering competitive play problem behavior rather than good role-playing.”

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

Role-playing is never a state of pure imagining, because the player is always connected simultaneously to both the diegesis and the real world.

“And role-playing is never a state of pure imagining, because the player is always connected simultaneously to both the diegesis and the real world.”

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

The process is not the direct abolishment of prejudices, but rather a refinement and relinquishing of them as needed, the closer we get to our subject of analysis.

“So what happens is not the direct abolishment of prejudices, but rather a refinement and relinquishing of them as needed, the closer we get to our subject of analysis.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: We need pre-understandings because they give us the initial approaches we need to start interpreting.

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

There is a strongly interpretative, semiotic and textual side to all role-playing games.

“There is a strongly interpretative, semiotic and textual side to all role-playing games”

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

Through their experientiality and autotelicity, role-playing games convey new information and create new correspondences between existing social and mental connections.

“In addition, through their experientiality and autotelicity role-playing games convey new information and create new correspondences between existing social and mental connections.”

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

This confinement of game elements to a single level of actuation has often actually been done in role-playing studies thus far, but mainly without acknowledging the fact.

“This is what has often actually been done in role-playing studies thus far, but mainly without acknowledging the fact.”

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

Treating a role-playing situation solely as a singular text removes a part of the game experience from the equation.

“yet to treat a role-playing situation solely as a singular text removes a part of the game experience from the equation.”

• cites Aarseth 1997Not 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.

Theory canonization is not a prejudice but should be seen as an unintentional corruption of discourse tools.

“The process is not a prejudice, and should be seen as an unintentional corruption of discourse tools instead.”

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

One's native playing paradigm usually forms the interpretative basis, resulting in a biased analysis of both role-playing and role-playing theory.

“One's native playing paradigm thus usually forms the interpretative basis, resulting in a biased analysis of both role-playing and role-playing theory.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The study of role-playing is in a state of chaos despite having reached basic academic acceptance.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The lack of general, shared research guidelines is one of the three main reasons for the problematic state of role-playing studies.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The corruption of discourse tools is one of the three main reasons for the problematic state of role-playing studies.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Subjective bias on the field concerning both practitioners and outsiders studying role-playing is one of the three main reasons for the problematic state of role-playing studies.

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

Postgame reports by players have a tendency to eventually transmute into dominantly diegesis-based reasoning, even if this were not actually the truth.

“In relation to this, it is also worth noting that postgame reports by players have a tendency to eventually transmute into dominantly diegesisbased reasoning, even if this were not actually the truth.”

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

A factor affecting all basic interpretation on role-playing analysis is the formation of normative role-playing paradigms.

“A factor affecting all basic interpretation on roleplaying analysis is the formation of normative roleplaying paradigms.”

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

The risk of misinterpretation escalates when material created using one paradigm's corrupted tools is analyzed with those of another.

“The risk of misinterpretation escalates further when material created using one paradigm's corrupted tools is analyzed with those of another.⁴”

May combine two claims.

The only level of in-game interpretation is imaginatio, which works on similarity; there is no need for intellectio, thought based on sameness.

“The only level of in-game interpretation is that of imaginatio, which works on similarity.There is no need for intellectio, thought based on sameness (as per Ricoeur 1975).”

• cites Ricoeur 1975Not matched

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

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Role-playing functions by participants imagining things in a reasonably compatible manner.

“Essentially, role-playing functions by participants imagining things in a reasonably compatible manner (Montola 2003).”

• cites Montola 2003Not 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). May combine two claims.

It is possible for ephemera to make sense on a purely diegetic level, peridiegetically, or purely non-diegetically.

“Thus it is possible for ephemera to make sense on a purely diegetic level (an example of this would be a joke the characters would get but the players would not.), peridiegetically (as tools of external descriptions that create or alter diegetic elements and events) or purely non-diegetically.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The Hermeneutical Circle is the phenomenon of needing to understand a whole in context to its parts, and parts of a whole in context to that whole.

“This phenomenon, combined with the need to understand a whole in context to its parts, and parts of a whole in context to that whole, is called the Hermeneutical Circle.(Jeanrond 1997)”

• cites Jeanrond 1997Not 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.

When introduced into a diegesis for purely external reasons, ephemera may not be diegetically logical, but are nevertheless a working or at least tolerable part of the continuity.

“When introduced into a diegesis for purely external reasons, ephemera may not be diegetically logical, but are nevertheless a working -or at least tolerable -part of the continuity.”

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

If ephemera are not a working or tolerable part of the continuity, the game breaks and an arbitration process is undergone to solve the problem.

“If they are not, the game breaks, and an arbitration process is undergone to solve the problem.”

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

Role-playing is treated as a process based on a social contract where people create and modify a joint transitional reality through agreed-upon tools.

“treats role-playing as a process based on a social contract (as per Huizinga 1939 andGoffman 1961) where people create and modify a joint transitional reality through the use of agreedupon tools.”

• cites Huizinga 1939Not matched

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

• cites Goffman 1961Not 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).

Theory canonization is initially born as a beneficial effect, allowing the translation of concepts between paradigms into a more easily understood form.

“It is initially born as a beneficial effect, allowing the translation of concepts between paradigms into a more easily understood form.”

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

Theory canonization is most easily visible in the forum archives of the Forge, but exists in all game analysis communities.

“This is most easily visible, in relatively mild form, in the forum archives of the Forge³, but the phenomenon exists in all game analysis communities.”

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

Those events of that one story could then be analyzed like any other story, and be subjected to methods of story theorists like Auerbach, Bettelheim or Campbell, in order to determine the influences that created it.

“Those events of that one story (or each one of the characters' stories, for that matter, should those be chosen) could then be analyzed like any other story, and be subjected to the methods of storytheorists like Auerbach, Bettelheim or Campbell, in order to determine the influences that created it.”

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

For hermeneutic game analysis, each game has a number of sets of texts and their corresponding interpretations, in the example case of this article four sets.

“For hermeneutic game analysis, all this means that each game has a number of sets of texts and their corresponding interpretations, in the example case of this article four sets.”

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

On the second level, participants interpret the interplay and use it as a basis for the construction of their subjective diegeses.

“The participants interpret the interplay and use it as a basis for the construction of their subjective diegeses.”

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

On the first level, players are motivated by real-world concerns only, and their presence in the world's continuity (Dasein) is subject to normal rules.

“Players are motivated by real-world concerns only, and their presence in the world's continuity (Dasein) is subject to normal rules.”

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

The meta-dialogue is formed of events on the diegetic level, IPM factors participants bring (including Creative Agendas, genre conventions, etc.) and semi-random interruptions from the first (social) layer.

“The meta-dialogue is formed of the events on the diegetic level, IPM factors the participants bring with them (including their Creative Agendas, genre conventions, etc.) and semi-random interruptions coming from the first (social) layer.”

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

Role-playing games can be analyzed as a form of other phenomena (text, ritual, game, theatre), and this approach is complementary to the apophatic approach.

“A completely different, highly profitable line of research is the analysis of role-playing games as a form of other phenomena.While seemingly contradictory to the apophatic approach described above, it is actually complementary.”

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

A competitive player's primary activity layer is the first or the second, depending on whether he prefers triumphs over other players or over in-game obstacles created by the game master.

“In contrast, a competitive player's primary activity layer is the first or the second, depending on whether he prefers triumphs over other players or over in-game obstacles created by the game master.”

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

The fourth layer is never reached by participants during the game; it is an idealization.

“The fourth layer is never reached by participants during the game.It is an idealization.”

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

The third level is where players' views intermingle through intericonicity and create a roughly equifinal whole.

“It is also the level on which the players' views intermingle through intericonicity and create a roughly equifinal whole.(”

• cites Adelsten 2002Not matched

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

• cites Loponen & Montola 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 S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Rules are not assessable by themselves as text, so they are subsumed into other categories to exist in an interpretative context.

“This is due to levels such as rules not being assessable by themselves as text, meaning they are subsumed into other categories so that they can exist in an interpretative context.”

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

On the first level, the diegesis does not exist at all, but may be discussed in general terms.

“The diegesis does not exist on this level at all, but may be discussed in general terms nevertheless.”

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

Depending on the character relationship of the particular players, their primary Dasein is either the artificial based on the assumed collective diegesis, or a mixture of their real continuity presence and the artificial one.

“Depending on the character relationship of the particular players, their primary Dasein is either the artificial based on the assumed collective diegesis, or a mixture of their real continuity presence and the artificial one.”

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

By analyzing their inherent texts, we can see where the play-experiences differ, as opposed to the easily observable physical differences of the mediums.

“By analyzing their inherent texts, however, we can see where the play-experiences differ (as opposed to the easily observable physical differences of the mediums).”

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

The fourth level is the only layer that would be real for the characters, and in which events would proceed in an order and manner completely logical within the diegetic frame.

“It is the only layer that would be real for them, and in which events would proceed in an order and manner completely logical within the diegetic frame.”

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

On the first level, all activity happens in the real world.

“On the first level, all activity happens in the real world.”

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

On the second level, players are in connection to the diegesis, but their discourse takes place outside it.

“On this level players are in connection to the diegesis, but their discourse takes place outside it.”

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

The basic building blocks of the layers are discourse and imagination.

“The basic building blocks of the layers are discourse and imagination.”

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

That the base text is not truly accessible and interpretations are subjective and incomplete is an unavoidable trait of all academic interpretation.

“That, however, is an unavoidable trait of all academic interpretation.”

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

Discourse is realized as event but understood as meaning.

“It is realized as event but understood as meaning (Ricoeur 1981).”

• cites Ricoeur 1981Not 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).

A break in all layers means the game has been completely suspended or ended.

“A break in all layers means the game has been completely suspended or ended.”

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

In reality, an immersive player's primary self is on the third layer and is affected by metalevel concerns.

“In reality, however, her primary”

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

Understanding which parts of these processes other role-playing theories assess, and where theories from other fields can be applied, gives access to tools earlier research created and ability to use them as synergic parts of holistic analysis.

“Furthermore, by understanding which parts of these processes other role-playing theories assess, and to which parts we can apply theories from other fields, we have access to the tools earlier research has created and the ability to use them as synergic parts of the holistic analysis.”

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

The Lehrskovian reduction takes the events of the game and treats them as if they were intended to happen, as if they were meant to form a pre-written story.

“This so-called Lehrskovian reduction takes the events of the game and treats them as if they were something that was intended to happen -the events are handled as if they were meant to form a pre-written story (corresponding with the concept of Chance in art, as per Kaprow 1966).”

• cites Kaprow 1966Not 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). May combine two claims.

The second and third layers are about role-players appropriating material that other participants introduce to the game, and then applying it to the present game situation.

“The second and third layers are about role-players appropriating material that the other participants introduce to the game, and then applying it to the present game situation.”

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

Analyzing role-playing in this manner does provide a positive contribution to hermeneutics: by refining this approach, it will eventually be possible to use it to conduct test-runs into methodology.

“Analyzing role-playing in this manner does provide a positive contribution to hermeneutics, though: by refining this approach, it will eventually be possible to use it to conduct test-runs into methodology.”

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

The third level consists of IPM factors being transformed into character motivations (CM), the actualization of fabula and ephemera, and the interaction between the way players imagine the transitional space.

“The third level consists of IPM factors being transformed into character motivations (CM), the actualization of fabula and ephemera, and the interaction between the way players imagine the transitional space.”

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

Without accepting existing limitations, even useful, parametric research is rendered invalid, not in content, but at the point of reception.

“Without accepting existing limitations, even useful, parametric research is rendered invalid -not in content, but at the point of reception.”

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

The second level is the level of the structure of the game, and that is its primary text.

“This is the level of the structure of the game, and that is its primary text.”

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

The fourth level must be treated as real for the purposes of analyzing the game as a whole.

“It is a theoretical construct that does not actually even exist, but it must nevertheless be treated as”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The fourth layer is a theoretical construct that does not actually even exist.

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

Diegetic events that are never truly reachable by game participants or analysts can theoretically be reduced into a singular story consisting of the personal stories of each character.

“In other words, the diegetic events that are never truly reachable by game participants or analysts, elements that would be real to the characters, can theoretically be reduced into a singular story consisting of the personal stories of each character.”

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

Phenomenological analysis of the diegetic world is impossible, but the phenomena in it can be fixed into a singular factual nature if the players all agree upon them on the second layer.

“So on one hand, phenomenological analysis of the diegetic world is impossible, but on the other hand the phenomena in it can be fixed into a singular factual nature ,if the players all agree upon them on the second layer.”

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

The fourth level is a pure, singular text - one story - and can thus be subjected to all traditional literary analysis.

“It is also a pure, singular text -one story -and can thus be subjected to all traditional literary analysis.”

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

Game breaks are moments when activity on certain levels is temporarily frozen so participants can concentrate on discussing events more thoroughly on a level closer to the real world.

“Game breaks are moments when activity on certain levels is temporarily frozen so that participants can concentrate on discussing events more thoroughly on a level closer to the real world.”

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

All this is still only a text as per the confines of meaningful action as text, even if recorded.

“Note that all this is still only a”

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

On the first level, ethical choices are made from a real-world perspective.

“Ethical choices are made from a real-world perspective.”

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

The turn-of-the-millennium Nordic experientialist ideal means that players are expected to see their characters as filters through which they experience the third layer and have that experience reflected all the way to the first layer.

“In these terms, the turn-of-the-millennium Nordic experientialist ideal means that players are expected to see their characters as filters through which they experience the third layer and have that experience reflected all the way to the first layer.”

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

That part can be subjected to all normal analytical methods, and will produce a reliable picture of what happened during a game on all levels.

“That part can be subjected to all normal analytical methods, and will produce a reliable picture of what happened during a game on all levels.”

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

On the first level, the text exists in the interplay between participant choices, as expressed by their motives.

“On this layer, the text exists in the interplay between participant choices, as expressed by their motives.”

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

Discourse is fleeting, but it creates ongoing texts that create the whole role-playing experience.

“The discourse itself is fleeting, but it creates ongoing texts that create the whole role-playing experience.”

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

Treating role-playing games according to Ricoeur's idea of meaningful action as text is a reductionist approach, due to similarity of appropriation and the interpretative system used in role-playing.

“The second reductionist approach seeks to treat role-playing games according to Ricoeur's idea of”

• cites Ricoeur 1981Not matched

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

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Players may speak of the fourth level, but they never actually come in contact with it.

“The players may speak of this level, but they never actually come in contact with it.”

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

Everything happening in the fourth layer is an emergent property of the three other layers, a phenomenon that makes adapting hermeneutics to analyzing role-playing diegesis itself easy.

“Everything happening in the fourth layer is an emergent property of the three other layers, a phenomenon that makes adapting hermeneutics to analyzing role-playing diegesis itself easy.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Everything happening in the fourth layer is an emergent property of the three other layers.

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

It will lead to an understanding of the underlying matrix of the role-playing process, and the recognition of dependent variables its structure is based upon, including social, cultural and language influences that affect all ritual activities.

“Furthermore, it will lead to an understanding of the underlying matrix of the roleplaying process, and the recognition of dependent variables its structure is based upon -including, but not limited to, social, cultural and language influences that affect all ritual activities.(For more on dependent variables, see Goodman 1988”

• cites Goodman 1988Not 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), S4 (based).

All layers must be deconstructed to find a holistic interpretation of a gaming experience.

“As a role-playing game exists on several layers at once, all layers must be deconstructed if one wants to find a holistic interpretation of a gaming experience.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: A role-playing game exists on several layers at once.

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

By creating artificial originals, we can see the interpretative processes at work in a game.

“Yet by creating these artificial”

May combine two claims.

A game participant does not actually understand the complete meaning of the material, but rather transforms it into his own interpretation, injects it back into the diegesis and/or meta-game, and it may be appropriated by others again, creating a feedback cycle.

“Therefore a game participant does not actually understand the complete meaning of the material, but rather transforms it into his own interpretation, in which form it is injected back into the diegesis and/or meta-game -and then possibly appropriated by the others again, creating a feedback cycle.”

• cites Ricoeur 1981Not 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), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Within the fourth layer, the characters have a Dasein that is completely artificial yet diegetically logical, and all ethical choices are based on diegetic reasons.

“Within the fourth layer, the characters have a Dasein that is completely artificial yet diegetically logical, and all ethical choices are based on diegetic reasons.”

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

By knowing those origin points and end results, the gaming process itself can be treated as interpretation done by the participants, and analyzed as such.

“By knowing those origin points and end results, the gaming process itself can be treated as interpretation done by the participants, and analyzed as such.”

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

On the second level, meta-dialogue about the game appears.

“On the second level, meta-dialogue about the game appears.”

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

Discourse produces material for imagination and dictates the ways in which it changes.

“The former produces material for the latter and dictates the ways in which it changes.”

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

Highly story-oriented players mostly favor the second and third layers, the former providing the necessary narrative clues and the latter being the place where those are actualized.

“Highly story-oriented players mostly favor the second and third layers, the former providing the necessary narrative clues and the latter being the place where those are actualized.”

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

An immersive player empathizes so strongly with her image of the fourth layer that she suppresses her awareness of the other layers.

“Following this template, an immersive player empathizes so strongly with her image of the fourth layer that she suppresses her awareness of the other layers.”

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

Larp and online role-playing may share many traits, but they are not identical experiences.

“Larp and online roleplaying, for instance, may share many traits, but they are not identical experiences.”

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

An element of distanciation transfigures the material into the players' own when it is processed in between appropriation and application.

“An element of distanciation transfigures the material into the players' own when it is processed in between appropriation and application.”

May combine two claims.

While the story is not truly accessible, reliable approximations of that story can nevertheless be constructed by game participants for analysis or entertainment.

“While the story is not truly accessible, reliable approximations of that story can nevertheless be constructed by game participants for this purpose, or for the purpose of entertainment (Lehrskov 2007).”

• cites Lehrskov 2007Not 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). May combine two claims.

From the perspective of traditional hermeneutics, the base text is not truly accessible and the interpretations will be subjective and incomplete if and when they are explicated to a researcher.

“From the perspective of traditional hermeneutics all this is of course problematic.The base text is not truly accessible and the interpretations will be subjective and incomplete if and when they are explicated to a researcher.”

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

Though the fourth layer may contain observable properties from player motivations, genre conventions, etc., those elements are simply that which happened from the perspective of the characters.

“Though the fourth layer may contain observable properties from player motivations, genre conventions, etc., those elements are simply”

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

On the second level, choices take on narrative qualities inspired by fabula and ethical views become relativist, adaptive to the needs of the game.

“On this level, choices take on narrative qualities inspired by fabula (story seeds, as per Fatland 2005b) and ethical views become relativist, adaptive to the needs of the game.”

• cites Fatland 2005bNot 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.

This reveals how a player experiences her game and what elements affected that experiencing process, the personal hermeneutic circle the player used for the duration of the game.

“This reveals to us how a player experiences her game and what elements affected that experiencing process, the personal hermeneutic circle the player used for the duration of the game.”

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

Analyzing role-playing as a performance can be combined with other approaches, whereas saying role-playing is performance cannot.

“For example, there is a strong difference between an analysis saying”

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

Each subjective diegesis is a text by itself, built according to personal preferences, platform requirements and narrative needs.

“Each subjective diegesis is a text by itself, built according to personal preferences, platform requirements and narrative needs.”

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

Overcoming the problems of the first part of preunderstanding, that of seeing role-playing games as something or other in advance, is relatively easy.

“Overcoming the problems of the first part of preunderstanding, that of seeing role-playing games as something or other in advance, is relatively easy.”

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

The characters experience things from levels one to three, but only as they extend to the fourth layer.

“The characters experience things from levels one to three, but only as they extend to the fourth layer (game systems as natural laws of the universe, or luck, etc.)”

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

In using hermeneutics to analyze role-playing, one should always adhere to Gadamer's validity principle: if you can apply the theory to the subject at hand, you will have to call it valid until you are proven otherwise.

“In using hermeneutics to analyze role-playing, one should always adhere to Gadamer's validity principle on hermeneutics: if you can apply the theory to the subject at hand, you will have to call it valid until you are proven otherwise (Gadamer 1972, adapted here from Adelsten's (2002) application of the principle to studying visual arts).”

• cites Gadamer 1972Not matched

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

• cites Adelsten 2002Not 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).

Action as meaningful may become an object of science through objectification similar to fixation in writing.

“My claim is that action itself, action as meaningful, may become an object of science, without losing its character of meaningfulness, through a kind of objectification similar to the fixation which occurs in writing.”

• cites Ricoeur 1981Not 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).

Each temporary social frame in a role-playing game can essentially be read as a layer of text.

“Thus each temporary social frame (as per Goffman 1974) in a role-playing game can essentially be read as a layer of text.”

• cites Goffman 1974Not 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), S4 (based).

By knowing how a diegesis is constructed and how a player potentially perceives it, we can transfigure both the diegesis and the perception into texts.

“Through knowing how a diegesis is constructed and how a player potentially perceives it, we can transfigure both the diegesis and the perception into texts.”

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

The fourth level is the world in which the characters actually exist.

“The fourth level is the world in which the characters”

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

The fourth level is pure diegesis.

“This level is pure diegesis.”

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

On the second level, pre-understanding about the game's style and conventions becomes manifest and is openly discussed.

“Pre-understanding about the game's style and conventions becomes manifest, and is openly discussed.”

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

Participants inject elements into the diegesis based on their non-diegetic desires, and reap medial, autotelic benefits if they do it well.

“Participants inject elements into the diegesis based on their non-diegetic desires, and reap medial, autotelic benefits if they do it well.”

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

Some of the discourse layers are imaginary, others are solidly grounded on real-world issues.

“Some of the discourse layers are imaginary, others are solidly grounded on real-world issues.”

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

The second part, the ability to assimilate the work done on the field by others without defaulting to one's own work as the primary measuring stick, is the true testing point of whether role-playing studies can rise to an academic level.

“The second part, the ability to assimilate the work done on the field by others without defaulting to one's own work as the primary measuring stick, that is the true testing point of whether roleplaying studies can rise to an academic level.”

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

In many cases it is not a research tool, but rather a complementary tool showing for example how the frames of play documented by Fine, Kellomäki and Mackay form and function as personal texts, thus making them truly compatible with what has been said about player preferences.

“In many cases it is not a research tool, but rather a complementary toolshowing for example how the frames of play documented by Fine, Kellomäki and Mackay form and function as personal texts, thus making them truly compatible with what has been said about player preferences.”

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

In essence, the game is a convergent medium, a focal point of shared interpretations done for the sake of mutual enjoyment.

“In essence, the game is a convergent medium, a focal point of shared interpretations done for the sake of mutual enjoyment.”

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

The hermeneutic approach will not solve the problem, but it will allow a deeper comprehension of how the patterns interlink.

“The hermeneutic approach will not solve the problem, but it will allow a deeper comprehension of how the patterns interlink.”

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

When that understanding is reached, it is possible to also translate other research on role-playing into a semiohermeneutic form through which a new potential for combining seemingly incompatible findings and theories becomes available.

“When that understanding is reached, it is possible to also translate other research on role-playing into a semiohermeneutic form through which a new potential for combining seemingly incompatible findings and theories becomes available.”

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

As a whole, a role-playing event is an interactive text in which the current situational context including both the diegetic and the exogenous situation in their entirety creates the primary frame in which the interpretation process takes place.

“As a whole, a role-playing event is an interactive text in which the current situational contextincluding both the diegetic and the exogenous situation in their entirety -creates the primary frame in which the interpretation process takes place.”

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

Without that understanding, regardless of from which methodology it comes, they are just descriptions of play behavior without any deeper meaning.

“Without that understanding, regardless of from which methodology it comes, they are just descriptions of play behavior without any deeper meaning.”

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

Valid models and findings that cannot cross cultural barriers are not valid research on role-playing itself, they are valid research on a particular type or way of role-playing.

“Valid models and findings that cannot cross cultural barriers are not valid research on role-playing itself, they are valid research on a particular type or way of roleplaying.”

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

Even then, this approach will have provided data that can be used to know what to look for.

“And even then, this approach will have provided data that can be used to know what to look for.”

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

These texts and the participants' interpretations can be used as a basis for analyzing role-playing as if it were a special form of metaphoric reading.

“These texts and the participants' interpretations can be used as a basis for analyzing role-playing as if it were a special form of metaphoric reading.”

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

The trick to doing the work completely is in knowing how the preunderstanding limits one's work, and making the correct extrapolations thereof.

“The trick to doing the work completely is in knowing how the preunderstanding limits one's work, and making the correct extrapolations thereof.”

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

Until that point of interpretative understanding is reached, all studies on role-playing are just personal opinions of their authors, existing in vacuums.

“Until that point of interpretative understanding is reached, all studies on role-playing are just personal opinions of their authors, existing in vacuums.”

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

They are the steps the road to understanding the complexity of the phenomenon are based upon, so long as those steps are not inflated into walls obstructing further progress.

“They are the steps the road to understanding the complexity of the phenomenon are based upon -so long as those steps are not inflated into walls obstructing further progress.”

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

A game's structure is built from the interaction of the participants' interpretations and the arbitration of conflicts the differing interpretations cause.

“A game's structure is built from the interaction of the participants' interpretations and the arbitration of conflicts the differing interpretations cause.”

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

Pre-understanding is needed for the interpretation to begin.

“This is where the hermeneutic circle comes in again: as noted, pre-understanding is needed for the interpretation to begin.”

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

This article has presented a view of role-playing games as a set of interactive texts interconnected with frames, the interpretation of which is in itself enjoyable to the game participants.

“This article has presented a view of role-playing games as a set of interactive texts interconnected with frames, the interpretation of which is in itself enjoyable to the game participants.”

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

The need to seek ways to translate findings, theories and models into forms in which they can be compared and possibly combined exists.

“Thus the need to seek ways to translate findings, theories and models into forms in which they can be compared and possibly combined, exists.”

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

Research on small points of the gaming experience are not only welcome, they're absolutely necessary for the wider work.

“Research on small points of the gaming experience are not only welcome, they're absolutely necessary for the wider work.”

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

That an individual theorist's apparently successful work can be traced back to his or her theories is good, but not enough without the potential for further adaptation to other paradigms and/or platforms.

“That an individual theorist's apparently successful work can be traced back to his or her theories is good, but not enough without the potential for further adaptation to other paradigms and/or platforms.”

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

The interpretation takes place in a particularly strong liminoid state resembling a ritual, or a ritual state.

“The interpretation takes place in a particularly strong liminoid state resembling a ritual, or a ritual state.”

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

For the analysis to be possible, the processes through which role-players interpret the game texts must be understood.

“For the analysis to be possible, the processes through which role-players interpret the game texts must be understood.”

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

The same goes for the analytic tools currently in use.

“The same goes for the analytic tools currently in use.”

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

They may be correct beyond their bounds, but there is absolutely no way of knowing for sure.

“They may be correct beyond their bounds, but there is absolutely no way of knowing for sure.”