I Build to Study: A Manifesto for Development-led Research in Games

Abstract

This paper sets out a position for development-led research as a specific form of study into games. It is argued that cataloguing elements of representative samples of games is the only real solution to building solid foundations of knowledge from which to understand patterns across the medium, within which to base specific analysis or theorising. The creation of this baseline data leads to questions about game design, particularly, which cannot be addressed by analysing existing titles. Developing experimental games and releasing these into the market place is put forwards as the only viable means of doing so. One such title is introduced and discussed, and the response from the gaming community is summarised to support this argument.