Towards an Ontological Language for Game Analysis

The Game Ontology Project (GOP) is creating a framework for describing, analyzing and games, by defining a hierarchy of concepts abstracted from an analysis of many specific games. GOP borrows concepts and methods from prototype theory as well as grounded theory to achieve a framework that is always growing and changing as new games are analyzed or particular research questions are explored. The top level of the ontology (interface, rules, goals, entities, and entity manipulation) is described as well as a particular ontological entry. Finally, by engaging in three short discussions centered on relevant games studies research questions, the ontology’s utility is demonstrated. Keywords Game analysis, game design, ontology

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: DIGRA
• Authors: José Pablo Zagal, Michael Mateas, Clara Fernández-Vara, Brian Hochhalter, Nolan Lichti
• Keywords: Computer Graphics, DIGRA 2005, Game Ontology Project, GOP Borrows Concepts, Research Questions