Quote from: Ian Bogostrefusing to ask what could be different, and instead allowing what is present to guide us
Quote from: Zeigfried Cashhow does this game want to be played?
These direct me to a place of empathy... the first allows me to free myself from the idea that I can, or should, change the thing. The second points me forward at the work itself, so that I can adopt a responsive, seeking attitude.
The question I arrive at:
"How did the designer play with this game?"
which is really very similar to "How does this game want to be played?" except with a slightly more human bent. And in some cases it's not "How did the designer..?" but "How did my friend..?"