Marry Me! The Roles of Puzzlinguistics in Designing Clues in Games with Dating Sims Features
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52187/rdt.v7i2.401Keywords:
ludic language, puzzle, clues, dating sims, video gamesAbstract
This study explores the role of puzzlinguistics in designing clues within games that feature dating simulation elements. Puzzlinguistics theory by Purnama, examines how playful language functions as both a communicative and interactive system in games. Drawing from the concept of ludic language by Crystal, the theory of puzzling language from Danesi, and user function theory by Aarseth, this research identifies how linguistic play shapes player interpretation and emotional engagement. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes textual, visual, and operative data from eight games, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Stardew Valley, Doki Doki Literature Club!, and Love and Deepspace. The findings reveal eight clue types, which are orbital, conditional, collocative, referential, indicative, reflective, reversal, and signaling that serve as linguistic strategies guiding player interaction and empathy. These clues transform dialogues into puzzles that require emotional reasoning rather than logical deduction. The results demonstrate that dating simulation mechanics rely on interpreting tone, subtext, and non-verbal cues, making language itself a form of gameplay. Ultimately, the study shows that love in games operates as a puzzle of meaning, where emotional understanding becomes the key to progress, proving that language play is essential to ludic and narrative immersion. Game developers will be able to draw on this study to craft games with richer dialogue and puzzles that touch players on an emotional level.
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