Jank Accounts: We Should Study `Broken' Games

Dan Bennett, Elisa D. Mekler

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference Abstractpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We argue that HCI games research can benefit by understanding experiences of "jank". Jank is a gaming vernacular term for game-elements that are somehow “off”: sloppy, glitchy, or clumsy. Examples include frustrating control schemes, primitive visuals, absurd physics errors, and NPCs with wooden, alienating behaviour. Importantly, ‘jank’ is no straightforward term of abuse: players use the term appreciatively, even with affection. Attention to the “paradox” of jank-appreciation can help us understand the limits of usability in understanding player experience. It can clarify conditions which foster reflection and appreciation of adversity, and shed light on games as aesthetic experiences.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Oct 2023
EventCHI PLAY 2023: Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play - Stratford, Canada
Duration: 10 Oct 202313 Oct 2023
https://chiplay.acm.org/2023/

Conference

ConferenceCHI PLAY 2023: Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityStratford
Period10/10/2313/10/23
Internet address

Research Groups and Themes

  • Bristol Interaction Group

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Jank Accounts: We Should Study `Broken' Games'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this