1. Research Objectives
| Level | Objective |
|---|---|
| Primary | Analyze how ludemes were conceptualized and implemented in early video game development through the lens of Aldebaran (1992) and Poizone (1991/2021) |
| Secondary | • Examine the influence of demoscene practices on professional game development • Trace the evolution of ludeme implementation across different periods • Document the social and technical networks that influenced early game programming • Evaluate the role of ludemes in distinguishing video games as a unique medium |
2. Theoretical Framework
| Area | Components |
|---|---|
| Core Concepts | • Ludeme theory and game mechanics • Critical code studies methodology • Software studies approaches • Video game and demoscene cultural practices |
| Literature Focus Areas | • Game Studies: Ludeme theory, rules and mechanics evolution • Software Studies: Critical code analysis, software archaeology • Demoscene History: Cultural practices, technical innovation |
3. Data Collection
| Source Type | Materials |
|---|---|
| Primary Sources | • Source code: Aldebaran (1992), Poizone (1991, 2021) • Paolo Baerlocher’s personal archive • Arc Angels demoscene materials • Development documentation |
| Secondary Sources | • Influental video games and demos • Demoscene documentation • Academic literature • Technical documentation |
| Interviews | • Paolo Baerlocher • Arc Angels members • Contemporary developers |
4. Analysis Framework
Phase A: Initial Code Analysis & Pattern Identification
| Stage | Activities |
|---|---|
| Setup & Organization | • Organize source code files • Set up analysis environment • Create documentation templates • Index interview transcripts |
| (Aldebaran Analysis) | • Identify core ludemes • Map game mechanics relationships • Document demoscene integrations |
| Original Poizone Analysis | • Analyze source implementation • Identify core ludemes • Map game mechanics relationships • Document ludemes and mechanics |
Phase B: Comparative Analysis & Context
| Stage | Activities |
|---|---|
| Poizone Port Analysis | • Analyze 2021 implementation • Document ludeme changes • Create comparison matrices |
| Cross-Game Analysis | • Compare implementations • Document shared patterns • (Map demoscene influences) |
| Cultural Integration | • Cross-reference with interviews • Map knowledge transfer • Document community influences |
Phase C: Pattern Synthesis & Theory Development
| Stage | Activities |
|---|---|
| Pattern Synthesis | • Synthesize implementation patterns • Document solutions • Create visualizations |
| Theory Development | • Connect to ludeme theory • Develop media distinctiveness arguments • Map relationship models |
| Validation | • Cross-reference materials • Verify conclusions • Identify gaps |
Phase D: Documentation & Writing Preparation
| Stage | Activities |
|---|---|
| Documentation | • Organize findings • Create section outlines • Prepare appendices |
| Summary Development | • Write executive summary • Develop key arguments • Create presentations |
| Review | • Review documentation • Verify completeness • Prepare handoff package |
5. Expected Deliverables
| Category | Outputs |
|---|---|
| Technical Analysis | • Ludeme implementation analysis • Cross-game comparison results • Evolution patterns documentation |
| Cultural Analysis | • Demoscene influence mapping • Knowledge transfer patterns • Community interaction documentation |
| Theory Development | • Updated ludeme framework • Media distinctiveness arguments • Player-developer-game relationship model |
| Support Materials | • Technical diagrams • Code documentation • Interview analysis • Source material references |
6. Project Management
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Management | • Deep technical analysis sessions • Pattern identification periods • Regular review sessions |
| Buffer Planning | • 10% time reserve for contingencies • Early prioritization of critical analyses • Flexible component identification |
| Quality Control | • Regular cross-referencing • Interview validation • Peer review sessions |
7. Ethical Considerations
| Area | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Data Management | • Source code preservation • Interview privacy • Archive access permissions |
| Attribution | • Code contribution credits • Community recognition • Source citations |
8. Risk Management
| Risk Type | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|
| Technical | • Backup procedures • Platform compatibility checks • Documentation redundancy |
| Research | • Multiple information sources • Alternative analysis paths • Flexible scheduling |