Mimicry – Principle of Identity Transformation from the Perspective of Digital Games Theory

Abstract

The article focuses on man’s identity in the environment of digital games. Special attention is given to clarifying one of Roger Caillois’s game principles (mimicry) and its application into the process of creating digital games. The author defines corresponding terminological axis and works with an assumption that the reflection on identity transformation related to digital ‘mimicry games’ remains a subject of discourse analysis in the dimension of digital game studies. One of the aims of the article is thus to define the term “game” from the position of game studies, taking into account its multidisciplinary character. The analysed game principle mimicry is specified in greater detail; the existence of direct connection between ‘mimicry games’ and simulated, interactive or fantasy games represents an important base for further inquiry and is placed in the centre of the author’s attention. Based on the defined theoretical outlines, the author has an opportunity to apply the acquired information directly on specific games that may be classified as digital ‘mimicry games’. The primary goal of the article is therefore to address the given phenomenon by explaining its presence and meaning in the context of various digital games.