Improbable Insights

Theme, Mechanics, and Story Meaning It's time to revisit Geek culture! What kind of video gamer are you? Do you like a deep story, with gameplay elements secondary? Or are you someone who values gameplay above any kind of story in a game? If you like board games, do you prefer theme over mechanics, or do the mechanics trump the theme? When it comes to TV or movie watching, do you care more about the story or the cinematic style? And there are the themes and stories we won't touch. Loyd will not play a farming game, nor does he like gangster games. He does love a good heroic epic, though. There's no correct answer; each case represents a spectrum, but raging arguments result between people on different parts of the spectrum. Loyd tends towards liking story and theme than mechanics and craft. Eric moves around on the spectrum, depending on what the designer or producer is attempting. What floats your boat? Tools Loyd successfully builds his small form factor PC. It's a powerful beast, no bigger than an Xbo