Agential flow: practical applications of flow theory in modern board game design

This practice-based thesis examines the relationship between modern board games and flow theory in order to answer the following question: How might the process of designing tabletop games incorporate flow theory to result in a more engaging experience for the end user? Using processes of practical exploration, reflection and contextual research, a method of game design will be established that emphasises social interaction as a catalyst for player engagement. Key concepts will be explored through the design of prototype games and demonstrated via the development of a final artefact: a prototype board game titled It’s Just Business. Findings will be compiled in order to formulate a qualitative framework for board game design, i.e., the agential play framework, which will outline key theoretical considerations of the design of agential engagement through board games