connectivityplays

Connectivityplays is a term used in media studies and game design to describe experiences that prioritize social connection and shared agency through networked play. It refers to interactive formats—video games, interactive installations, live performances, and education tools—that rely on interconnected participants rather than solitary play.

Core features include real-time or asynchronous collaboration across devices, emergent storytelling driven by participant choices, and a focus on cooperation or collective problem solving rather than competition. Accessibility across platforms and audiences is often a design goal, enabling players with varied devices and abilities to participate in a common experience. The term also encompasses transmedia and cross-media projects that weave participant input into multiple channels such as games, narratives, and live events.

Contexts and origins: The concept draws from game design, new media art, and performance studies and has grown with the expansion of online communities, cloud gaming, and interactive theatre. Designers emphasize social presence, shared intention, and consent-based participation.

Design and challenges: Key considerations include latency management, privacy and safety, inclusivity, and ethical use of collected data. Protective mechanisms, clear community guidelines, and accessible interfaces help broaden participation while mitigating harm. creators also explore governance models for collective authorship and decision making.

Applications: Connectivityplays are seen in co-operative or collaborative online games, distributed or immersive theatre, classroom or museum installations that invite visitor contributions, and social virtual reality experiences where users co-create spaces and narratives. They are valued for fostering social connection and experiential learning but may be limited by the digital divide and potential for conformity or surveillance.