Study Guide on Rhetoric and Procedural Rhetoric
Understanding Rhetoric
- Definition of Rhetoric
- The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
- Emphasizes the use of figures of speech and various compositional techniques.
Introduction to Procedural Rhetoric
- Definition of Procedural Rhetoric
- Coined by Ian Bogost, it is defined as
- "The art of persuasion through rule-based representations and interactions rather than the spoken word, writing, images, or moving pictures" (Bogost, 2007a, p. ix).
The Practice of Procedural Rhetoric
- Procedural Rhetoric involves:
- Utilizing processes and rules that are inherent in games.
- Making arguments and conveying messages through gameplay mechanics.
- Highlighting the relationships between player actions and the resulting outcomes.
- Enabling players to experience and engage with narratives through these mechanics, which can lead to emergent narratives based on player choices and interactions.
- Emphasizing the unique potential of video games for storytelling.
- Demonstrating how the rules of a game shape player experiences and interpretations.
Examples of Procedural Rhetoric (as referenced by Ian Bogost)
- Examples in various domains include:
- Politics
- Advertising
- Education
Implications of Procedural Rhetoric for Game Designers
- Key considerations for game designers when applying procedural rhetoric:
- Implicit Bias
- Understanding that biases can be reflected in game design.
- Representation
- Ensuring diverse representation within game narratives and characters.
- Reproduction of Values and Ideologies
- Acknowledging how games can reproduce social assumptions and values.
- Areas affected include:
- Gender
- Race
- Class
- Age
- Ability
- Other social categories
Conclusion
- Procedural rhetoric showcases the potential for games to be a medium not just for entertainment but also for deeper societal commentary and engagement through gameplay experiences, linking player actions to broader narratives and messages.