TIME, SYMBOL TRANSFORMATIONS, AND COMPUTER GAMES

A symbol-transformation model of play is described, with examples drawn from popular home computer games. This model is used to explain the subjective distortions of time commonly experienced by computer game players. This model has many parallels with, but also some unique advantages and extensions beyond, alternative explanations for time distortion during play, including the notion of "flow." Conclusions concern defining the subjective experience of time during play with reference to the symbol transformations of opposition and contextualization.