Signos lúdicos: design de jogos analógicos de simulação como sistemas de representação

Abstract

This final graduation project aims to research the correlations between systems theory, semiotic studies and analog game design. In the first half of the project, the three fields are covered by an extensive bibliographic exploration. The main points of interaction between the three areas are investigated, as well as where they overlap. Semiotics is applied as a model to understand how games are capable to represent, which are their signs and their semiotic objects. Systems theory is used in the study of how the different elements of a game are organized, considering that these objects can be either concrete or abstract. The methodology used is to apply semiotics and systems theory as a lens to analyze the object: analog board games. The main goal is to understand how both fields can contribute to new perspectives on analog game design. The second part of the project exercises the same analysis through a more practical method: the actual design proposition of a board game that comprehends the approached theoretical fields both in it’s theme and process of creation.