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Message: <blockquote data-quote="fusangite" data-source="post: 1895859" data-attributes="member: 7240">The most important thing about the GNS model is that its author Ron Edwards is perfectly correct when he says that you will not understand the model unless you read his entire article explaining it. Any attempt at summarizing it will horribly distort it and lead to much misinterpretation.Even when people do read his essay, many still do not understand it. I read the essay three times before I could even pick locate my preferred style of play within it. Edwards spends some of his time on the Forge correcting people who are convinced of the model but have still misinterpreted parts of it.In addition, there are some unstated assumptions that underly the model that can be easily picked up by perusing the Forge that may help you to comprehend it. Now, despite all my warnings, I want to add that the model is by no means valueless; it does help one to understand RPGs better and to address problems that arise in games. It is a smart theory and an important first stab at creating a theoretical framework for discussing gaming.That said, the model has some totalizing attributes in that it purports to be able to categorize all game dynamics but doesn't.Finally, if you care about RPG theory, read the whole article. If you don't care that much, don't bother. If you want the Cole's Notes, you are SOL.</blockquote>