546-Article Text-Narratology and Ludology
546-Article Text-Narratology and Ludology
546-Article Text-Narratology and Ludology
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themselves have fought for decades in combining high- cognitive prostheses, and interactivity. The specific paradox
quality, high-power stories and interactivity (Manovich, in between narrative and interactivity in pedagogical
Frasca, 2003b). Influential voices in the debate between simulation has been identified (e.g., Bizzocchi &
these schools of thought have attempted to silence it (e.g., Woodbury, 2003), and the technologies on which our
Frasca, 2003b), but the rift remains. Thus we reopen the practical innovations depend are shared. As we edge closer
debate below, showing how narratology and ludology are to game studies, we move closer to a collision with this
two equally valuable sides of the same coin, whether that debate.
coin is paradigm or theory.
The following discussion systematically explores the DEFINITIONS AND SEMANTICS
two camps of narratology and ludology within the context
of simulation and gaming. First, we present a brief rationale To prepare ourselves, it is our next task to define
for transferring the debate from non-pedagogical gaming simulation and gaming. For the purposes of our discussion
studies to pedagogical simulation – a process which has here, we are concerned with computer simulation as a
already begun (see Bizzocchi & Woodbury, 2003). Second, subcategory of experiential learning. There is rampant
the semantic confusion of simulation and gaming will be confusion in this task though, perhaps because simulation
addressed. Next, narratology and ludology will be defined and gaming are becoming more complex, dynamic, and
and followed through the literature, focusing on theoretical interactive; eroding the trademarks signs previously used to
and conceptual works relevant to the debate. Last, we distinguish one from the other.
examine paradigmatic issues, to determine if the debate is a As quoted by Denton (1994), "Simulation, as used in
paradigmatic shift from old or nonexistent to new. Finally, training, is a dynamic representation of a system, process or
we summarize the overall findings, concluding that the two task" (Rediffusion, 1986, section 1.3). By another definition,
elements are inseparable parts of a new paradigm for simulation is the set of "organizational devices for arranging
simulation and gaming. interactions" (Roebuck, 1978, p. 107). Here, we define
simulation as the behavior of a representational model
THE GREAT DEBATE which represents reality in some way (Van Horn, 1971).
Games also have a core model, but many gaming definitions
The narratology versus ludology debate has been going focus on the participants’ interactions, bounded by the
on for over two decades in the non-pedagogical game designer’s chosen setting, rules and procedures (Hsu, 1989).
community – mostly in reference to videogame, virtual In the past, researchers in experiential learning have
reality, and hypertext. The earliest published work made calls for continued philosophical clarification (Ruben,
specifically targeting this squabble surfaced in 1982 1999), as many have focused on the paradigms or
(Csikszentmihalyi), and it continues today. Many gamers theoretical foundations for instruction and learning practice
have become overwhelmed, even worn out, by the exchange (e.g., Kirkley & Kirkley, 2005; Ruben, 1999; The Design-
of ideas: Based Research Collective, 2003), but not those for
• Bottom-line, I see this debate as a pointless simulation and gaming themselves. Here, we focus on the
distraction that has pulled a lot of smart minds latter, excluding considerations of instruction and learning
into its depths. In effect, there is not conflict outside these areas.
between the two camps. The ludology camp is At the core of simulation is a model which represents
perfectly correct, and how this can be argued some part of reality. Other than this, however, its
is beyond comprehension (Miller, 2005, ¶ 1) characteristics are mutable at best. For instance, continuous
• We have already had more than one paper or event computer simulation now rivals gaming in it ability to
presentation that attempted to be the “Last simultaneously accommodate multiple players (e.g., Two
Word” on the debate, which of course signals Comma Titans, 2005). In the future, the two differences
that despite the best intentions, we haven’t between simulation and games – “the absence of an
reached the last word on narratology vs. interpersonal element in computer simulation,” and the
ludology yet (Young, 2005, ¶ 1) presence or absence of “process focus” (Feinstein, Mann &
• We’re pretty much all… sick to death of Corsun, 2002, p. 739) – may be soon eliminated by
hearing the tired old duality brought up (JP, in technological innovations such as virtual reality and
Juul, 2004, ¶ 5) multiparticipant interfaces (Ong & Mannen, 2004).
The pedagogical simulation literature is not too far The definitions' inherent volatility is why we do not
removed from this conflict, however. We learn from each here strongly adhere to rigid boundaries surrounding their
other’s progress, adopt each other’s tools, and build on each meanings. This is not unusual, because when paradigms
other’s research; thus dialogue between our respective shift, construct definitions can and do change. As a
groups may hasten the paradigmatic shift to come. Already, consequence, we admit that possible overlap between the
our articles reflect narratological or ludological perspectives concepts of simulation and game makes investigating
– i.e., foci on sensemaking, the core model, content, and narratology and ludology all that more difficult.
meaning as opposed to foci on fidelity, immersability,
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NARRATIVE AND NARRATOLOGY “material signs” of the narrative. This approach’s primary
directive is to achieve interactivity with narrative – for
Narratology, or the study of narrative, traces as far back example by letting an individual control a character.
as Aristotle; and has been an idea present in toys and games While many equate narrative with oral or written
since the beginning of their existence (Frasca, 2003a; storytelling – called the diegetic mode - there are several
2003b). It covers a wide range of disciplines (e.g., other modes of narrativity, which can exist in combination.
organizational theory, drama, and literature), methodologies Simulation and gaming are (1) participatory and (2)
(e.g., discourse analysis), and epistemologies (Robichaud, simulative in mode, meaning that they (1) allow a user to
Giroux, & Taylor, 2004). Its roots in the social sciences play a role, choose behavior, and create a story; and (2)
literature can be traced back to its application in this line of design an engine that uses internal rules and input from the
research centers on the models used to design computer user to create a sequence of events that tells a story (Ryan,
simulation and game. 2001).
Narrative is a model for how individuals act (Cooren, Clearly, then, narratologists in the experiential learning
2000; Czarniawska, 1997), construct reality (Weick, 1995), sphere focus on the core model, or narrative, of simulation
think and learn (Bruner, 1960; Schank, 1990). It creates and gaming; but they also hold fast to the idea that this
organization and meaning for everything that enters narrative does not become so until someone hears – or
individual’s brains through the acts of living, creating, or interacts – with it. The dynamic part of simulation comes
interpreting (Fisher, 1984, p. 2). Thus, narrative is the form from learners engaging with the narrative core model,
in which we “organize our experience and our memory of manipulating it, and constructing their own story. From this
human happenings” (Bruner, 1991, p. 4). evidence, it appears that simulation and gaming are fully
In short, narrative helps individuals construct within the narrative range.
knowledge through the process of recursivity (Robichaud,
Giroux, & Taylor, 2004). Recursivity is the iterative process INTERACTIVITY AND LUDOLOGY
of learning, combining the processes of reflecting on
information and socially constructing knowledge (Bowen, The rationale behind separating narratology and
1987; Denton, 1994; Hampden-Turner, 1971; Laveault & ludology is at odds with the aforementioned claim, as it
Corbil, 1990; Perry & Euler, 1988; Thatcher, 1986). In points out the overlap between the two, a possible “inter-
simulation, reflection is the proxy term often used to paradigm debate” (Giddens, 1976, p. 142). Unintentionally,
describe recursivity (Bowen, 1987; Gosen, 2004; Kolb, we have already described a great deal of the precepts of
1984; Thiaragajan, 1994). Learners engage with the model, ludology above. We have also previously defined ludology,
or narrative, which is its core (Gosen & Washbush, 2005), but the many varying definitions of ludology beg for further
constructing knowledge by engaging with the narratives of articulation. As stated rather frankly by Juul (2005):
others and creating their own (Schank, 1990). Thus, the As it happens with popular terms, there are
learner’s interaction and engagement with computer many competing interpretations of it. Here are
simulation and game are crucial (Jones, 1989; 1990). the five most popular interpretations of
There are two main schools of narratology in the ludology for the time being:
simulation and gaming world: expansionist and • The study of game
traditionalist. Expansionists have a hermeneutical • The study of game as rules, ignoring their
perspective on narrative, viewing it as “a mutable concept fictional content
that differs from culture to culture and evolves through • The study of game with a strong anti-narrative
history, crucially affected by technological innovations” stance (meaning: against blindly using
(Ryan, 2001, p. 2). They deconstruct narrative, challenging traditional narratology, but including the
plot, linearity and form in stories (Landow, 1997). While a fictional content of game).
hermeneutical approach has shown valuable in previous • A group of people around the Game Studies
simulation inquiries (e.g., Kleindorfer, O’Neill, & journal (decidedly wrong – read the articles,
Ganeshan, 1998), the main disadvantage of expansionist please).
approaches is that they can deconstruct to the point where • The people at the Game Research Center in
narrative ceases to mean anything at all (Ryan, 2001). Copenhagen (also wrong – read what is
The traditionalist school sees narrative as “an invariant actually being published). (¶ 14)
core of meaning, a core that distinguishes narrative from Some ludologists have argued that simulation and
other types of discourse, and gives it a transcultural, gaming are not narratives because their characteristics are
transhistorical, and transmedial identity” (Ryan, 2001, p. 3). incompatible according to current narratology definitions
According to Ryan (2001), a traditionalist, a narrative is (Frasca, 2003b) – e.g., that “game are game and stories are
“the use of signs, or of a medium, that evokes in the mind of stories and these types of cultural artifacts… present
the recipient the image of a concrete world that evolves in radically distinct essences” (Ryan, 2001, p. 6). Traditionalist
time” (p. 4). A story is “the mental construct constitutive of narratology’s foremost purpose is to achieve interactivity,
narrative” (p. 5). This differs from discourse, which are the though – a goal shared by ludologists; and expansionist
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narratologists deconstruct and challenge narrative’s
structure and plot – one of ludology’s most popular COMPETING PARADIGMS OR
methods. THEORIES?
By the same token, narratologists have shown overlap
in their work (for a sample of works using cognitive theories In the pedagogical realm of simulation and gaming,
of learning, see Appendix A). For example, ludology narratology and ludology are just now beginning to surface
embraces ideas falling squarely within the labeled category through anomalies in the related discourse. In the non-
of fidelity. Fidelity has been defined as: pedagogical realm of gaming, however, anomalies have
been evident for decades. Both indicate a paradigm shift
The degree of similarity between the training found in normal scientific development (Kuhn, 1962;
situation and the operational situation which is Lundberg & Young, 1995). Thus, within our pedagogical
simulated. It is a two dimensional measurement of simulation and gaming community, we must look deeper;
this similarity in terms of (1) the physical since it is possible that this is not a shift from old paradigm
characteristics, for example visual, spatial, to new, but a pre-paradigmatic shift. If this is the case,
kinesthetic, etc.; and (2) the functional narratology and ludology may merely be competing
characteristics, for example the informational, theories.
stimulus, and response options of the training Exploring the “frame of paradigm” (Lundberg &
situation (Hays & Singer, in Feinstein & Cannon, Young, 2005, p. 45) may further inform our discussion.
2001, p. 58). Friedrichs (1970) defined paradigm as “a fundamental
image a discipline has of its subject matter” (p. 55); and
Most ludologists dismiss narratology because they Ritzer (1975) expands further, stating:
believe that it cannot explain all of the phenomena
associated with game; that “because game are not merely A paradigm is a fundamental image of the subject
watched, they are played, they supplement this debate with matter within a science. It serves to define what
the phenomenon of action… the game theorist must talk should be studied, what questions should be asked,
about actions, and the physical or gameworlds in which they and what rules should be followed in interpreting
transpire” (Galloway, 2004, ¶ 3). An analogy for the the answers obtained. The paradigm is the broadest
rationale that game is not narrative has been described in unit of consensus within a science and serves to
many ways, for instance: “If I throw a ball at you I don’t differentiate one scientific community (or sub-
expect you to drop it and wait until it starts telling stories” community) from another. It subsumes, defines,
(Eskelinen, 2001, ¶ 1). and interrelates the exemplars, theories, and
These opinions are beginning to shift, however. A new methods and tools that exist within it (p. 189).
movement is calling for hybrid approaches (Mateas, 2002),
a “middle ground” stance (Jenkins, 2003), compromises, How can we prove that narratology and ludology are
and overlap between the two perspectives (Ryan, 2001). competing paradigms, rather than competing theories? The
Some of the most avid ludologists, such as Juul and Aarseth, fact is that we – at least here as two sole inquirers – cannot.
have stated that (1) game contain both narrative elements, As nebulous, holistic, and abstract forms, paradigms are
sequences, and structural traits (Juul, 2001) and (2) there is sometimes difficult to reveal. We can, despite this
significant overlap between games and narrative (Aarseth, deficiency, look at these groups’ community structures,
1997). Perhaps most striking, the expanded definitions of commitment networks, shared examples, tacit knowledge
narrative posed by Ryan (2001) include a phenomenological and intuition, and incommensurability (Kuhn, 1962; for a
category of narratives that explain how stories are summary, see Table 1).
constructed in simulation and games; making both Kuhn’s (1962) first advice, to examine community
paradigms viable options. This may lead one to conclude structures, is the simplest of the five. Ludology, in its
that our definitions of narrative need work – not that relative infancy, has remained firmly within non-
narratology itself is inferior. pedagogical game studies. Narratology, much older in
Ryan (2001) suggests that ludology should expand to nature, has been transferred from literary studies to
incorporate narratology; while Eskelinen (2003) hints at the numerous disciplines – most relevant here, that of
opposite, stating, “a mere story is not sufficient to make pedagogical simulation and games.
something a narrative, as there must also be a narrative His second advice is to explore group commitment
situation implying the presence of narrators and narrates” (¶ networks, or schools of thought. The assumptions related to
1). Integrating these two polar opposites is relatively simple, schools of thought ask the question, “What conceptual work
and could be expressed simply: a narrative does not become and its investigators deserve allegiance?” (Lundberg &
so until someone interacts with it (a hermeneutical Young, 2005, p. 48). In narratology, a wide range of
perspective). Thus, we propose the two are indivisible, investigators are shown allegiance in multiple disciplines,
equal, and necessary for the paradigmatic shift on our including drama and literary studies (e.g., Jahn, 2001),
scientific horizon. education (e.g., Bruner, 1960), cognition (e.g., Schank,
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Table 1: Summary of Kuhn's (1962) Characteristic Differences for Separate Paradigms
1990), and management (e.g., Weick, 1995). Ludologists soon to come, though. Heated debate between two theories
show allegiance to a much narrower range of investigators is a sign of anomalies just as much as that between two
almost exclusively within their community (e.g., Aarseth, paradigms. The only matter left to determine is if this is a
1997; Eskelinen, 2003; Juul, 2001), with Frasca (1999; shift from old paradigm to new, or of nonexistent paradigm
2003a; 2003b) being the oft cited forefather. to the first one identified.
Similarly, the respective subject matters and exemplars A pre-paradigmatic shift is “regularly marked by
of each community show little to no overlap, and where frequent and deep debates over legitimate methods,
overlap occurs, the matters are “approached from problems, and standards of solution, though these serve
incompatible perspectives” (p. 176). Ludological subject rather to define schools than to produce agreement” (Kuhn,
matter centers on videogame, virtual reality, hypertext, 1962, p. 48) – exactly the present state of narratology and
television, and emergent forms of computer play. ludology, at least in non-pedagogical game study. This does
Narratological subject matter reflects the variety of not automatically make it a pre-paradigmatic shift, however;
disciplines it inhabits, including but not limited to computer as the aforementioned characteristic is shared with shifts
simulation, non-computer simulation, role play, experiential from old to new paradigms.
learning, drama, literature, and film. One way we can find if this is a pre-paradigmatic or a
Subject matter and exemplars speak to the intuitions of regular paradigmatic shift is through the presence of
each community. Ludology embraces the non-pedagogical anomalies, because “anomaly appears only against the
side of experience – such as play – and narratology favors background provided by the paradigm” (Kuhn, 1962, p. 65).
the pedagogical side more focused on learning and Significant narratology-versus-ludology anomalies have
cognition. However, narratology has been overtly applied in surfaced in non-pedagogical gaming studies, and a few have
the ludologist community, and ludological subject matter appeared in our pedagogical community of simulation
has been touched upon by narratologists (e.g., Bizzochi & research. Gaming theorists debate these topics; while we
Woodbury, 2003). have, in the past, discussed narratological and ludological
precepts with little thought of one side versus the other (for
MORE DEBATE AND FUTURE RESEARCH an exception, see Bizzocchi & Woodbury, 2003). This could
signal that game studies will experience a pre-paradigmatic
From the above, we can surmise that the two camps are shift while we experience a paradigmatic shift or even none
not completely incommensurable, but this opens an at all. It could also signal nothing more than temporal
enormous philosophical dispute between reductionism and differences, where pedagogical studies lag behind non-
holistic thinking. At this point, the results on narratology pedagogical studies that are better-funded or moving at a
and ludology as paradigms or theories are inconclusive. This quicker pace. Again, the results are inconclusive.
is of no matter to the prediction that a shift in paradigms is
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Appendix A: Sample of Works in Simulation with Associated Philosophical Position
Philosophical
Subtopic General themes Citations Position
Learner
Orientation Inability to deal with cognitive demands Jonassen, 1989 n/a
Hawk, McLeod &
Designer neglect of learner support Jonassen, 1985 n/a
Hannafin & Hughes,
Roles of explicit behavioral objectives 1986 Narratology
Ho, Savenye & Haas,
Specificity of activities and attention 1986 Narratology
Specificity of activities and learner ability to Krahn & Blanchaer,
generalize information 1986 Narratology
Edwards & Hardman,
Learner disorientation 1989 n/a
Lesson Gavora & Hannafin,
Presentation Cognitive resource allocation 1995 n/a
Multimodal presentation and multiple Hsia, 1971; Severin,
coding 1967 Ludology
Multimodal presentation and redundancy of Van Mondfrans &
information Travers, 1964 Ludology
Mutimodal presentation and learner
performance Yang, 1993 Ludology
Information coding and recall Paivio, 1979 Narratology
Visual representations / illustrations Perkins & Unger, 1994 Ludology
Illustrations and content recall Dunston, 1992 n/a
Illustrations and content integration Kenny, 1993 n/a
Animation Park & Gittleman, 1992 n/a
Animation and support or replacement to Mayer & Anderson,
oral presentation 1992 n/a
Animation providing coding support and
feedback Rieber, 1992 n/a
Interaction with and manipulation of
animated content Rieber, 1990 Ludology
Fidelity and learner performance Alessi, 1988 Ludology
Aspillaga, 1991;
Text placement and display Grabinger, 1993 n/a
Benshoof & Hooper,
Metering information with windows 1993; Billingsly, 1988 n/a
Dwyer & Lamberski,
Effectiveness of color 1982-1983 Ludology
Hannafin & Peck, 1988;
Distraction potential of color Rieber, 1994 Ludology
Encoding
Support Stages of reaching learning meaningfulness Mayer, 1993 Narratology
Stimulation of deeper information
processing Wittrock, 1990 n/a
Effectiveness of encoding support Bliss, 1994 n/a
Personalized instruction and memory Miller & Kulhavy, 1991 n/a
Personalized instruction, self-referencing,
and cognitive demands Lopez & Sullivan, 1991 n/a
Interaction, overt responses, and
differentiated lesson branching Floyd, 1982 Ludology
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Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006
Knowledge
Application Teaching approaches for problem-solving Lambrecht, 1993 n/a
Delclos & Harrington,
Monitoring of problem-solving 1991 n/a
Embedding strategic questions and problem-
solving King, 1991 n/a
Generalizability and effectiveness of Perkins & Salomon,
strategies 1989 n/a
Computer-based cognitive tools and
teaching problem-solving strategies Kozma, 1987 n/a
Pea & Kurland, 1987;
Domain-specific background and Perkins & Salomon,
proficiency 1989 n/a
Concept utility and context diversity Prawat, 1991 Narratology
Computer augmentation of problem-solving Pea, 1992 n/a
Computer-aided mental transformation Kozma, 1991 n/a
Motion sensor feedback and learner
association Brasell, 1987 Ludology
Motion sensor feedback and learner
association Brasell, 1987 Ludology
Interactive video and problem-solving Atkkins & Blisset, 1992 Ludology
"Near" and "far" transfer continuums Clark & Voogel, 1985 n/a
Salomon & Perkins,
Instructional strategy's impact on transfer 1989 n/a
Computer microworlds as representing Kozma, 1991; White,
abstract, physical phenomena 1992 Narratology
Salomon & Perkins,
Mindful abstraction and "high-road" transfer 1989 n/a
Meaningful context, knowledge and skill Choi & Hannafin, 1995 Narratology
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