Game mechanics can be defined as methods for interacting with the game state. They are determined by the rules and constitute fundamental building blocks of any game. How do experimental and artistic games use mechanics to create stories, construct meaning or convey emotions?

In this course, we will play and investigate select examples of digital as well as analogue games. We will dissect their mechanics, analyse how they work and what they achieve. In keeping with the EXPERIMENTAL GAME CULTURES semester theme of non-human games, we will concentrate on games that share agency and experiences with non-humans and that produce an alienation effect by making us look at the world through non-human eyes.

Presentation and short paper