The Rules of the Game

This chapter redefines videogames as operating as storyplaying machines, governed by specific rules (including narrative rules). These rules (mechanics) establish player agency and contribute to a new mode of narrative composition: rhapsodic storytelling. The chapter continues with the metaphor of “weaving” a story, the role of death in narration, and an analysis of narrative theory. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the interactive paradox and the illusion of branching narratives and causality. This chapter outlines the mechanical operation of videogames, how they use rules and mechanic procedures to produce a unique text. This operation is conducted by the player, who then guides the machine through the process of “weaving” a text, which challenges traditional ideas of authorship and which model is defined as the rhapsodic model of composition. This mechanical operation highlights the function of player choice, agency, and power, which is contrasted by the idea of “death” in videogames. The chapter concludes with discussions of the Interactive Paradox (referencing the illusion of choice) and the Invisible Hand.