Intrinsic Research – a Practice-based Approach to Computer Game Modding

Article

This paper discusses the value of a practice-based approach in video game research. Focuses on the practices of modding and how the related actions hold both a technical and an aesthetical quality that enables us to better understand, how video games are constructed and what meanings they transport. The described engagement is centered around the Metal Gear Solid franchise and a specific community of practice that creates tools to manipulate the designed content of the game. The original game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Kojima Productions, 2015 – in the following MGSV:TPP) is part of the Metal Gear Solid series. Each installment of the game combines elements of adventure and shooting games in a third-person perspective. The gameplay is often referred to as stealth or tactical shooter. Between 1987 and 2015 Kojima Productions released 26 installments of the game on varies video game systems. Japanese video game legend Hideo Kojima, who is the creative force at Kojima Productions, is behind the design of each game. MGSV:TPP was a financial success with over 6 million copies sold in the first five month