A Defense of ‘Gameplay’
Friday, November 28th, 2008
[This is written as an 'other perspective' piece, and isn't necessarily exactly how I think of the topic. However, it's how I 'could' see the topic, so I believe it's still valid.]
Recently there’s been a growing distaste with the word ‘gameplay’, mainly stemming from the shockingly odd meaning it seems to construe. Words like ‘bookread’ and ‘filmwatch’ have been bandied around in comparison, showing quite how absurd a concept ‘gameplay’ really is. I’ll admit, I don’t think I’ve ever used the word in any of my writings for this precise reason, choosing the far more understandable ‘mechanics’ when addressing how a game.. plays. However, I think there are important things that need to be said about the word, and perhaps even some circumstances where it is appropriate and even useful in conveying ideas.
