Games as Systems of Information - Ch 17

Second information schema:  looking at information as knowledge, content or data of a game rather than measure of uncertainty.

perfect information: players have complete information about every element of the game
imperfect information: somethings are hidden to the players
both can provide meaningful play
perfect information games, analytically competitive games
imperfect information games, mystery and uncertainty
randomness or chance is not tied to perfect or imperfect informartion
Celia Pearce four scenarios of information in a game:
1- information known to all players (board layout in chess)
2- information known to only one player (cards in your hand)
3- information known to game only (unused cards in a deck)
4- randomly generated information (roll of dice)

Economy of information: information is a part of a large system
value of information known to player gains  meaning within the larger system of the game
game’s information structures are objective information
player’s understanding of these structures is perceived information

Hiding and Revealing Systems

Fog of War, game only reveals map info, add suspense and tension to the experience

Secret Locations and Hidden Moves, locations hidden first are revealed throughout out the game as player explores
Item Economies, limiting player’s ability to own some items
Rules as Information, not only static information but dynamic info is also revealed