System and Experience

The aim of this thesis is to provide a complete and useful description of what a videogame is. It is a common assumption amongst Game Scholars that videogames are systems: a set of interrelated parts that interact in different ways. This work analyzes the precise structure of that system and how it works. Videogames are a complex, multi-layered system that includes not only game elements, but the specific technology and the player. The videogame system has compulsory and optional elements that can be combined to create a vast range of videogames. Story is not an obligatory part of the videogame system, although many of its elements present narrative possibilities that can affect the player™s experience. This experience is created by the interaction of the system elements, is the reason why the player plays and goes beyond the mere idea of fun. In short: videogames are a multi-layered system that creates an experience for the player. This thesis is addressed to both game scholars and game designers.