Date of Submission
2-2021
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Toby Wren
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Ping-I (Adam) Ho
Keywords
Tabletop role-Playing Games (TRPGs) ; Game design ; Game research ; ludic-hermeneutic circle ; MDA framework ; Wargames
Audience
Mature Accompanied (MA15+) - moderate impact language/themes, includes moderate sex scenes/drug use, restricted to 15+
Abstract
In this thesis, I argue that contemporary game design is influenced by early tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) in that they still employ design precedents created in the 1970s by early TRPG game designers. This thesis approaches the topic not just from a historical perspective, but also an analytical one. To this end, I make use of games research frameworks, like Espen Aarseth’s (2003) ludic-hermeneutic circle and the MDA framework (Hunicke, Leblanc, and Zubek, 2004). The MDA framework breaks down games into mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics of play, and the relationship between these three elements creates a game's unique sense of play. In order to test my hypothesis, I gathered historical and systems data about early TRPGs and their mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics (Hunicke et al., 2004). I used this as the basis of a comparative analysis between contemporary games from the 90s to the late 2010s and early TRPGs in order to showcase the chronological scope of the influence that TRPGs still have on contemporary game design. My analysis shows that the influence from TRPGs on contemporary game design is related to player experience and creating similar aesthetics of play. This research furthers our overall knowledge of games, game development, and games history. Furthermore, this dissertation may be used by games designers to experiment and break away from decades-old frameworks that have become commonplace in the practice of contemporary game design.
Recommended Citation
Wainwright, M. (2021). A Quest From Then To Now: How Early Tabletop Role-Playing Games Have Influenced Contemporary Game Design [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.