Abstract:

Digital games have become the most popular medium of our times. Games are often evaluated with their playful qualities that follow certain norms, but throughout history, games have also been the site of transgression. Transgression means crossing of a border or breaking rules. In this study, the forms of transgression in and around games are examined. The distinction between play and real life is the first boundary to be transgressed, but it is not the only boundary related to games. Rules of games or the space of play can also be transgressed. Playing with social rules, laws and taboos through the representations in games is the main element of some game genres. This study examines forms of transgression, using methods of game studies that intersect with communication sciences and ludology, also known as game formalism. To better understand forms of transgression, first, game definitions and certain characteristics of games which allow transgression are analyzed. After different transgression forms are determined, categories of transgressive play are discussed. Finally, with evaluation of missing qualities in existing categorizations, a different classification is proposed.

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