Games and the Magic Circle

Synonyms

Playground; Play space

Definition

In the context of games, the magic circle is the area within which the rules of the game apply, a special space, ideally but not necessarily demarcated by the rules within which play occurs. It need not be a physical space, but can instead be virtual or a frame of mind.

Introduction

The magic circle is a concept still widely used and referenced by games studies scholars and games designers and is both helpful shorthand and a problematic theory. This entry will look over the history of the concept and explore the issues and controversies it raised, with a particular eye toward games studies’ frequent criticism of the concept. Despite its contested and controversial nature, the magic circle borders on other central concepts of games studies and games design including play, immersion, and suspension of disbelief, and these linkages are also something this entry will explore.

History

The magic circle was a term first used as part of Johan...