The Spontaneous Playfulness of Creativity: Lessons from Interactive Theatre for Digital Games

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DiGRA '07 - Proceedings of the 2007 DiGRA International Conference: Situated Play
The University of Tokyo, September, 2007
Volume: 4
ISBN / ISNN: ISSN 2342-9666


This paper maintains that the practice and theories of improvisational and activist theatre can infuse interactive computer games with spontaneous, playful creativity. This playfulness can inspire not only character, relationship and social issue possibilities in the digital game development, but can also tease out creative ideas through live improvisational gameplay among development teams. Working from the premise that computer games are both a unique art form and an experiential way to rehearse social change, this paper suggests novel ways of drawing on the games and artistry of Stephen Nachmanovich, Ruth Zaporah, Uta Hagen, and Keith Johnstone, and the activism of Augusto Boal, David Diamond, and Richard Rohd to enhance computer gameplay experience. It also makes a call to action for kinaesthetic involvement in live gameplay, because getting up and trying the games is better than just reading about them.