Gameplay Lecture # 3

"Somebody Must Die" mode. Self-imposed challenges in video games

Presenter: Diego Barroso

08 May 2026

We present an ontological analysis of the relationship between players and “self-imposed” challenges in video games. We take these as frames for diverse challenges enabled by gameplay/game engines, but not always envisioned or implemented explicitly by the designers. We will reflect upon the nature of the commitment presented by challenges aligned with both types of rules. We describe and engage two kinds of challenges, “constitutive” (Hades 2) and “of skill” (Mega Man X).