Stanford CS547 HCI Seminar | Spring 2026 | Reading Games Well

Reframing games as ephemeral emotional events

Games should be analyzed not as static technical systems but as transient emotional experiences that occur uniquely for each player during the act of play.

Elevating personal readings of gameplay

The book introduces written 'readings' as a method for capturing private player experiences, treating gameplay with the same critical respect as literature or cinema.

Journey's profound impact on grieving family

A 15-year-old's reading of Journey describes how the game's mountain ascent metaphor helped her dying father find peace about life's end, illustrating games' capacity for deep emotional resonance.

Reader Response Theory applied to play

Drawing from Louise Rosenblatt, the framework posits that games are merely inert code until players activate them, much like text remains ink on a page until read.

Situational versus transactional models

Brian Upton's theory replaces mechanical input-output models with the concept of games as situational experiences emerging between rules, player emotions, and social context.

Humanistic principles from The Well-Played Game

Bernie DeKoven's philosophy argues players should feel free to modify rules or reject games that judge them, emphasizing play as a human-centered rather than system-centered activity.

Personal baggage transforms the artifact

Players bring unique life histories and emotional contexts that transform the game into a personalized event distinct for every individual.

Value lies beyond system mechanics

While players interact with game systems, the essential value of play lies in emotional discoveries and critical reflections that occur alongside mechanical engagement.

Unpacking as interpretive practice

The game Unpacking exemplifies this theory by requiring players to construct narrative meaning and character identity solely through the contemplative act of arranging household objects.