Videogame Analysis
Structured analysis of games, played for a week and then analyzed with a friend to improve critical understanding.
Videogame Analysis is a collaborative project where a friend and I each play a selected game for a week, write a short analytical essay, and then discuss our findings. This practice helps develop critical thinking about game design, identifying strengths and weaknesses in existing titles, and understanding how different design elements contribute to the overall player experience. Each analysis examines various aspects of the chosen game, including mechanics, systems, level design, narrative integration, and player experience. The discussions that follow help us refine our understanding and develop a shared vocabulary for discussing game design concepts.
Documents & links
Challenges
- •Developing a structured approach to analyzing different aspects of games
- •Identifying underlying design principles from observable gameplay elements
- •Articulating subjective experiences in terms of objective design analysis
Solutions
- •Created an analytical framework that examines games across multiple dimensions
- •Implemented a collaborative review process to uncover blind spots in analysis
- •Developed a consistent format for presenting findings that facilitates comparison