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Playstates Theory Definition – Version 2.0 (Dec/19)

December 15, 2019 by Chris Billows in Playstates Theory tags: Game Philosophy, Games Analysis, Playstates

I’ve updated and enhanced my Playstates Definition below. My plan is to continue to develop this theory and eventually establish a website dedicated to demonstrating how the theory works.

Playstates is a theory that explains how different types of play coexist, combine together, and are recursive. The different types of play are each defined by a singular core trait that acts as a both a distinguishing and complementing characteristic. At present there are five different kinds or states of play.

 

  • Toygrounds
  • Sign-Plays
  • Puzzles
  • Games
  • Sports

 

Each of the five Playstates can be defined as β€œThe Play of …” which represents the core characteristic of that Playstate. These are as follows:

 

  • Sign-Plays – The Play of Meaning.
    1. SignalsΒ  – signs that require constant encoding and decoding and interpretation
    2. Symbols – signs that are more static and require subtle interpretation
    3. Role-Plays – using our behavior to communicate and experience meaning

 

  • Toygrounds – The Play of Exploration.
    1. Toys – objects that are played with freely and with transient rules
    2. Playgrounds – spaces that are played with freely and with transient rules

 

  • Puzzles – The Play of Matching.
    1. Symbols – letters or numbers as basis for matches
    2. Shapes – objects that represent non-language as basis for matches
    3. Colors – spectrum of light as basis for matches
    4. Sounds – range of pitch and duration as basis for matches
    5. Patterns – repeating using memory
    6. Maths – using deduction to solve incomplete logic

 

  • Games – The Play of Measurement.
    1. Time – race against the clock
    2. Space – movement between locations
    3. Counting– measuring tokens, traits, and points
    4. Achievements – an accumulation of measurables

 

  • Sports – The Play of Competition.
    1. Pick-up – a single, non-cumulative match
    2. Series – win the majority of matches in a set
    3. Tournament – a changeable collection of competitors
    4. League – an exclusive collection of competitors
    5. Pan-Sport – competing via non-match outcomes

About The Author: Chris Billows

Chris Billows is a knowledge seeker who believes in social responsibility, a health care professional, and a business dabbler. The Journals of Doc Surge is his personal blog. Doc Surge (a cool synonym for Billows) is inspired by Doc Brass from the Planetary Comic series who in turn was inspired by the 1930s pulp hero Doc Savage.
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