Aarseth's Thesis

Aarseth's Thesis argues that different types of video games require different approaches to analysis and understanding. It emphasizes that games are complex cultural artifacts, and their meaning depends on how they are played, experienced, and interpreted. Rather than viewing games solely as narratives or simple entertainment, Aarseth suggests we study them as interactive systems, where players’ actions and choices shape the experience. In essence, it calls for a nuanced, contextual analysis that considers the game’s mechanics, player agency, and cultural significance, rather than reducing games to just stories or visual design.