“Open World” Texts: A Framework for Analyzing Recombinatory Writing Games (RWGs)

This paper uses a literary studies and game-based design approach to propose a theoretical framework for understanding, assessing, and designing recombinatory writing games (RWGs) as well as for establishing the relationship between RWGs and the larger category of creative writing games for reading (CWGR). Central to understanding this framework is the way RWGs integrate and develop Surrealist and Oulipo writing techniques (play, collaboration, juxtaposition, and constraint) to democratize traditional notions of Literature in order to create the inclusive, non-judgmental arena necessary to establish open world exploration and creativity as motivators in writing games for reading. This paper develops a theoretical approach and then uses it to analyze example games and prototypes to clarify divergence, juxtaposition, textuality, open world, and play as the key aspects of the framework. No framework has yet been established for examining CWGR or RWGs, thus this paper represents a necessary foundation for future research and design as well as an essential part of the larger project aimed at developing creativity and inclusivity as motivators for game-based reading and writing.