https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world

This talk for himself, i´m too interested in game with meaning.

Hi Daniel

Mc Gonigal great talk is focused on real life impact. Even if it give meaning to game, I really try to find entertainment competitive multiplayer games with an artistic purpose. And in fact, I don't have lot of references.

Very interesting question.

I would say that some beat-em-up games, such as Tekken series or Skullgirls, have some meaningful stories in them (although maybe simplistic); yet, one can experience them just playing alone, following the personal storyline of single "dramatic" characters until the end. 

I've heard often about the point and click games (from the classic by Lucas Arts to recent products such as the ones by Telltale) that some players like to play together, in couples or little groups, basically because these games are beautiful to watch such as long movies. These games often have rich meaningful content. I think it can be considered multiplayer since the players collaborate in solving the enigmas, but these games are not competitive.  

According to my opinion, other collaborative games such as Portal 2 (cooperative mode with the two robots) or Ibb and Obb, where the players need each other to proceed, can say something about the experience of friendship. Still not competitive; also, this meaning probably depends on the personal interpretation of the player.

Sorry this was not exactly what you were looking for, but I hope I gave you some interesting suggestions. I will continue to think about this! 

Hey Emmanuel, 

I feel as if you are asking about the idea of how the game sometimes lets us chose the ending in some form or another.  As our choices continue, the gameplay may change for the better or good.  Am I correct in this?

If so, I know you mentioned no serious games, but what about the new online MMORPG game Elder Scrolls, it has a linear path, but found within it, are choices which you have to make.  Some of the "damning characters" into jail or even killing them.  

The other games which come to mind are Papo Y Yo, That Dragon, Cancer, and Heavy Rain.  Hope this helped!

I've just been reading 'Works of Game' by John Sharp, and that's got some stuff that would interest you. For example, you can look up Pozzi and Zimmerman's 'Sixteen Tons'. This isn't digital, but it's a multiplayer game with meaning. The rest of Sharps book is likely to have some useful theory for you.

Unfortunately, even if a single player game has some meaning (e.g. Bioshock), the multiplayer normally returns to pure mechanics and 'fun' to make an easy to get into experience.

Your original question is also a little problematic and you might have to really think about what you're exactly after. ALL games have meaning - whether intended or not. It depends what kind of meaning you're after.

Maybe Bogost's 'Persuasive Games' might hold some answers for you?

Nevertheless, this is an interesting question, and I'm interested in what other answers you get.

BTW Anthony, I think by Serious Games the OP means games made for education, defense, training etc. The other games you mentioned are great games with interesting emotional dynamics, but not multiplayer.

Emmanuel, I would recommend that you join the DIGRA list and ask the DIGRA 'hive mind' for some reccs.

Ah, 

Multiplayer dynamics, ESO has it, but in a different spell of some sort.  I would agree multiplayer dynamics seem to always reduce themselves down to what Tom said.

Mary-Beth Oliver is constantly doing research on meaningful games, but I am not sure if this includes competitive multiplayer games. http://blog.digrastudents.org/trans-atlantic-game-talk-5/

From a brief perusing of her stuff, it seems to be highly memory based.  While I don't necessarily disagree with it, I think it goes further than that.  What do you think Rohangis?

I did not actually read her work, I only discussed with her what "meaningful" could mean (special feelings? moral elevation?) during a video group discussion. For example, from personal experience, the cathartical process that Aristotle defined for theatrical pieces is what actually arises huge feelings of meaningfullness in me. But people are different, so this is only one aspect and maybe not even the most important. If I remember correctly, Mary-Beth Oliver Maybe conducted interviews and asked players which games induced feelings of meaningfullness in them and why. If you want to know for sure how she defines meaningfulness, it's probably easier to contact her and ask her herself. She is a very nice and helpful person, by the way.

This sounds great, I appreciate the information.  

Are you only looking at messages / meanings as they were intended by the designer? Something you may not have considered is the difference between embedded and emergent narrative. Embedded narrative is the narrative that was purposely implemented into the game, and which most players will experience. Emergent narrative is the narrative that emerges through gameplay. As you take part in a team-based competitive game, you may create several different stories. Consider a few possibilities:

1) A game where Team B dominates Team A in the game. Both teams are friendly.

Both teams arrived on the battlefield with light hearts. Jokes were exchanged, and the warmup proceeded playfully as Player3 of Team B kept trying to land jump spin no scope shots on the enemy team. From the beginning of the game, it was clear that Team B was out of their league; Team A had the experience, the attitude, and the teamwork to stomp most foes who stood in their way. This match was no exception. Despite Team B's efforts, Team A consistently dominated. In the end, both teams would exchange a few words as Team B left the battlefield - a flawless victory.  

2) A close game, where the teams are fairly evenly matched, but Team A wins in the end. The teams are hostile and competitive.

The tension was thick from the moment both teams set foot in the arena. After the first inflammatory words were spoken, both teams erupted in a cacophony of insults and challenges. The first round resulted in a 1v1 face off for the round win. You could sense Player 3's anxiety as his cursor flicked back and forth erratically, painstakingly searching for Player 6. Such erratic tension was going to be the recipe for the rest of the game - with one team chiding the other at the end of nearly every round. It was truly a battle to behold. Both teams evenly matched and playing their hardest, any onlooker would be at the edge of their seat. As the final shot landed, Team B emerged victoriously. Not a word was exchanged afterward as the game lobby emptied as quickly as it filled.

Such emergent narratives can be found in any competitive multiplayer game, and may be more meaningful than those implemented by the designers themselves, shedding light on the interactions and behaviors of players. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it may be an interesting way to go if it aligns with your purpose. 

Yes I'm looking for message/intention intended by the designers, in multiplayer competititive.  And served by other ways than just narrative (embeded or emergent). Rules, system, signs, feedbacks, condition of failure or victory, camera behavior.... all type of means.