Abstract Berlin: Marco Mazzocca

Perceiving Cheating: Exploring Rule Violations in Games 

Games, whether traditional or virtual, intricately intertwine with perceptual experiences shaped by rules, symbols, and contextual cues. This paper examines perception within gaming contexts, focusing specifically on rule violations and cheating. By analyzing “constitutive rules” and comparing rule frameworks with gaming structures, it elucidates the nuanced distinctions between mere rule-breaking and acts of cheating. It argues that breaching game rules does not inherently invalidate meaningful participation in the gaming experience. Additionally, it delves into the perception of cheaters as non-players and explores the influence of cultural frameworks on gaming and cheating perception. Drawing from game studies, social ontology, and legal philosophy, this paper unravels the intricate interplay between perception, rule adherence, and gaming experiences to deepen our understanding of gaming perception dynamics.