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Rhetorics, Simulations and Games: The Ludic and Satirical Discourse of Molleindustria

Rhetorics, Simulations and Games: The Ludic and Satirical Discourse of Molleindustria

Gabriele Ferri
Copyright: © 2013 |Volume: 5 |Issue: 1 |Pages: 18
ISSN: 1942-3888|EISSN: 1942-3896|EISBN13: 9781466630697|DOI: 10.4018/jgcms.2013010103
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MLA

Ferri, Gabriele. "Rhetorics, Simulations and Games: The Ludic and Satirical Discourse of Molleindustria." IJGCMS vol.5, no.1 2013: pp.32-49. http://doi.org/10.4018/jgcms.2013010103

APA

Ferri, G. (2013). Rhetorics, Simulations and Games: The Ludic and Satirical Discourse of Molleindustria. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS), 5(1), 32-49. http://doi.org/10.4018/jgcms.2013010103

Chicago

Ferri, Gabriele. "Rhetorics, Simulations and Games: The Ludic and Satirical Discourse of Molleindustria," International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS) 5, no.1: 32-49. http://doi.org/10.4018/jgcms.2013010103

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Abstract

Oiligarchy (Pedercini (Molleindustria), 2008) and Phone Story (Pedercini (Molleindustria) & Yes Lab, 2011) are two apparently simple games that integrate game-based and simulational components in a wider rhetorical discourse. It is reductive to consider these satires as simple “gamified” pieces: their use of simulations as well as ludic elements is functional to a political rhetoric that cannot be reduced to mindless escapism. Oiligarchy is a piece raising awareness on the dependency of Western societies on oil. It simulates oil-extraction using mathematical models to describe the decline of production rates; it also employs game mechanics to confute the player's initial assumptions and to propose a persuasive message. Phone Story is a playable satire of Apple advertising, simulating the “identity correction” genre adopted by political activists. This piece also features ludic mechanics to create a complex discourse enhancing its satirical effectiveness. These examples show the potentialities of an overlapping between simulation, playful elements and rhetorical persuasion - suggesting their mutual compatibility and stressing the need for further research in this area.

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