Reforming Formalism in Critical Games Studies

In my thesis I discuss single player digital games. I examine a family of views in critical game studies called ludocentric views, which are the most prevalent methods of analysis in academic games studies today. These views closely resemble formalist views from the literary theory tradition as applied to video games. I begin by dissecting two specific ludocentric positions, as well as one position outside of that umbrella for contrast. I attempt to levy the critique that these views ignore the agency that the player has both to make decisions and to determine the content of their own experience. I then suggest a position that I see as addressing these things while still retaining the strengths of the ludocentric position.