Unpredictability compels us to play games – now we know why. Johnson reveals that at the heart of gameplay is a deep philosophical question about how humans experience luck, chance and randomness.
Dr. Tom Brock, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Mark R. Johnson's <i>Unpredictability of Gameplay</i> is an enlightening analysis of randomness, chance and luck, and is vital reading for anyone who has ever rolled some dice, dealt out cards, or run a generative algorithm. Mark pulls ideas from across human history, tying together the beliefs of ancient civilisations and the thinking of modern-day game designers and researchers, while putting forward a bold new way to talk about one of the most important ideas in game design. A challenging, interesting and thoughtful book; it will change the way you think about unpredictability.
Dr. Michael Cook, Research Fellow and Game Designer, Queen Mary University of London, UK