Gamers as Designers: A Framework for Investigating Design in Gaming Affinity Spaces

Abstract

This article addresses recent approaches to uncovering and theorizing the design activities that occur in online gaming affinity spaces. Examples are presented of productive d/Discourse present within online forums around three video game series, video games, or game platforms, and key design practices engaged upon by gamers in these spaces. It is argued that these activities are, in part, consequences of the affordances and constraints of the games under discussion. Repurposing the ‘narratology vs. ludology’ debates, a taxonomy is presented which addresses how designed aspects of the games may shape both narrative and ludic (game-mechanic) forms of design. Finally, the forms of these design activities are contrasted with predominant approaches present within formal learning environments.