Games contain their own set of rules and regulations that mediate space. However, unlike real sports, the player can not break the rules of a video game. Rules are physical laws that must be obeyed. Many platforming or arena type games are an example of set rules that the player must abide by. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo, 2008) each player has a certain number of lives, a set time limit and particular moves that they can apply. Once the time runs out, or only one player is left standing, then the game ends.
Rules can also help the player move through the game more smoothly. An example is the second level in Halo 3 (Microsoft Game Studios, 2007) which originally found players running in circles becoming confused and disoriented, missing the exit points. Instead the designers recreated the space to include a series of drops. Due to the physical rules of the game, the protagonist is not strong enough to jump back up, so must venture forth. Although rules are enforced in games to regulate spaces, the space is still there for the player to use as they choose within the guidelines of the game. Grand Theft Auto IV (Rockstar Games, 2008) demonstrates the idea of using the space within the limitations of the game. The game was created to follow the story of a young man who seeks revenge on one particular person. Instead of following his story, most players generally navigate through places in a stolen car, running into pedestrians and destroying infrastructure.
Rules can also help the player move through the game more smoothly. An example is the second level in Halo 3 (Microsoft Game Studios, 2007) which originally found players running in circles becoming confused and disoriented, missing the exit points. Instead the designers recreated the space to include a series of drops. Due to the physical rules of the game, the protagonist is not strong enough to jump back up, so must venture forth. Although rules are enforced in games to regulate spaces, the space is still there for the player to use as they choose within the guidelines of the game. Grand Theft Auto IV (Rockstar Games, 2008) demonstrates the idea of using the space within the limitations of the game. The game was created to follow the story of a young man who seeks revenge on one particular person. Instead of following his story, most players generally navigate through places in a stolen car, running into pedestrians and destroying infrastructure.
