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S/Z: On the Difficulties of RPG Theory & Criticism
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<blockquote data-quote="prabe" data-source="post: 7920186" data-attributes="member: 7016699"><p>I don't disagree with any of these, but I think it's possible, while examining whether an RPG does what it sets out to do, to explore the question of why it does or doesn't. Small (or at least specific) examples seem like the right place to start, here, but it doesn't seem likely that one can answer the "why" question without at least resorting some to theory, which might lead to problems of scale.</p><p></p><p>Also, while I agree that much of the theory work has been done, in, e.g., film or literature, there are considerations that feel important. First, someone really into RPGs might not know the vocabulary of film theory (to pick an example); if you're using film theory to talk about RPGs, you might want to be prepared to unpack your references. Heck, you might want to be prepared to unpack any and all specialized vocabulary, and not make people feel stupid for needing it (to be honest, I don't get this as an intent here, but it's an easy lapse). Second, RPGs will probably need at least some of their own theory. This doesn't mean there's no point in borrowing from other criticism and theory, but be aware that what you borrow may be an imperfect fit.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="prabe, post: 7920186, member: 7016699"] I don't disagree with any of these, but I think it's possible, while examining whether an RPG does what it sets out to do, to explore the question of why it does or doesn't. Small (or at least specific) examples seem like the right place to start, here, but it doesn't seem likely that one can answer the "why" question without at least resorting some to theory, which might lead to problems of scale. Also, while I agree that much of the theory work has been done, in, e.g., film or literature, there are considerations that feel important. First, someone really into RPGs might not know the vocabulary of film theory (to pick an example); if you're using film theory to talk about RPGs, you might want to be prepared to unpack your references. Heck, you might want to be prepared to unpack any and all specialized vocabulary, and not make people feel stupid for needing it (to be honest, I don't get this as an intent here, but it's an easy lapse). Second, RPGs will probably need at least some of their own theory. This doesn't mean there's no point in borrowing from other criticism and theory, but be aware that what you borrow may be an imperfect fit. [/QUOTE]
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