CHAPTER 1
FOUNDATIONS OF SYSTEMS
Having a clear idea of what systems are is vital to building systemic games. In this chapter we dig deep for our foundations by examining different ways of seeing and thinking about the world and reviewing a quick history of systems and systems thinking. This will lead you to a better understanding of the importance of systems thinking in general as well as in game design.
Finally, we go on a strange journey from ships to water to the heart of the atom, all to more clearly understand what systems, things, and games actually are.
Ways of Seeing and Thinking
Most of us rarely think about how we think. This is a process called metacognition—thinking about thinking—and one that is important for a game designer. You ...
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