The Language of Videogames: Part 7 Fluency and Enjoyment

(I almost thought I would not make it to the end).

Almost a year ago now my friend and I were playing Journey. I had invited her over for the specific purpose of playing the game. Hey babe, come over to my place and let’s play videogames. I am a classy guy. No matter how self-deprecating my humor may be something did happen that day, an idea formed. First a question: Just how do we understand videogames and how in turn does that affect our experience with them? Then an answer: Videogames are a language. 

The player learns this language through similar ways in which they would learn anything else. They begin with Observation, Experimentation and Response. After that the player begins to Apply Assumptions made in one game to another. From that an understanding of the “Win-State” is formed. After the ludic elements of the game have been comprehended the narrative elements begin to form within the player’s understanding. Narrative Significance takes shape followed by Ludonarrative Comprehension; are the ludic and narrative elements of the game dissonant or resonant? Once all these pieces of understanding are in place the player finds themselves with a Combined Understanding of the entire game experience. The player can engage with the developer in the language common to both of them: the language of videogames.   

Like all languages practice makes perfect. Fluency develops over time and repeated exposure to the language. Beyond more in depth study of game theory there is nothing that can be done to make someone more fluent in the language of videogames. The only option is to play the games. And once the player has become fluent they will most likely not even recognize it. True fluency goes unnoticed. Everything the player has learned and every cognitive thought developed by study works to provide the player with fluency. It is not a conscious process unless deeply examined. Once the player has become fluent everything will just work and they won’t even notice it.

Or perhaps they will notice that they are having fun. The one side effect of fluency in the language of videogames is immense enjoyment. No longer will the player get turned around or lost. Feelings of discomfort and aggravation at a game disappear. Because the player is fluent in the language of videogames their experience is greatly increased. It becomes apparent to the player what the developer’s intention was with the game. The player is able to engage in the game world as an equal with the developer. They both are fluent, fully understanding what one is saying to the other. Videogames are artistic, creative expressions at the forefront of modern innovation. They are also meant to fun. Fluency benefits the player by increasing their enjoyment with the game.

There is one last thing I want to say on this topic. The best way to become fluent in any language is to immerse yourself in that language. So go out and play some videogames!