Paraphernalia-Game Mechanics Facilitating Bodily Movement and Play

Abstract

This paper complements the article "Restraints as a Mechanic for Bodily Play"by presenting the paraphernalia of games as different mechanics that address the surrounding and contextual factors of movement-based game and play activities, while restraints address the players' bodily preconditions. Based on an analysis of a collection of traditional games combined as bridging concepts, the mechanics are derived and exemplified in traditional and digital game exemplars and explained using theoretical concepts from phenomenology and postphenomenology. The presented mechanics provide a roadmap to design for and encourage bodily play by drawing on the historical development of (i.e., traditional) play and game activities and leveraging this knowledge into the domain of digital and technology-supported games and play activities.