Negotiated agency: the constant deliberation between the player's abilities and developer's permissions

Abstract

This essay attempts to shed a light on the intricate relationship between player agency – the player's capacity to act and make choices in a videogame –, and that of the developers – the limitations and possibilities creators must navigate in order to release their title. Firstly, we explore the complex concept of agency, drawing upon fields like philosophy and sociology. Then, we turn to the unique position videogames occupy among other mass media by having interactivity as their centre stage.