On Conceptual Games: A Talk by Prof. Stefano Gualeni at Ghent University

Recently, Prof. Stefano Gualeni was invited to Ghent to deliver a talk titled On Conceptual Games, hosted by Prof. Marco Caracciolo. The talk examined how video games can serve as a medium for theoretical knowledge in game studies, making them important in intellectual exploration. By integrating elements of philosophy, game theory, and interactivity, these games challenge conventional notions of how knowledge can be structured and conveyed through digital media.

Can Games Convey Theoretical Knowledge?

The central question of the talk was: "Can games convey theoretical knowledge that is relevant to game studies?" Drawing parallels with conceptual art, Prof. Gualeni discussed how certain video games are designed not just for entertainment but as a form of intellectual exploration and curiousity. These self-reflective games encourage players to engage critically with their structure, mechanics, and the expectations they create, making them an important area of study in interactive media and research.

Case Study: Doors (The Game)

One of the key examples discussed in the talk was Doors (the game) (Gualeni & Van de Mosselaer, 2021). This game was developed as a scholarly contribution to game studies, demonstrating how interactive experiences can communicate theoretical ideas beyond traditional text. Through its innovative design, Doors invites players to question their interaction with games and how games shape cognitive understanding and engagement.

This talk aligns with Prof. Gualeni's ongoing work as a philospher game-designer. In the Bloomsbury Academic Fictional Games: A Philosophy of Worldbuilding and Imaginary Play (2023) work, Prof. Gualeni alongside Prof. Fassone analyse a range of fictional games across different media; from literature and cinema to video games and tabletop RPGs, making it a valuable read for scholars in game studies, philosophy, and media theory.