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Block

to respond to an offer as though it were false


Blocking is the opposite of accepting. Accepting supports the truth of an offer; blocking contradicts it. When offers are blocked, players have to negotiate what’s true and what’s not before they can continue to play in a shared fiction.

“Wow, there’s the house you grew up in.” “I didn’t grow up there.”

When blocking reflects a control issue, that’s a problem. If you don’t like someone’s offer or have a different idea, that’s no reason to block. Overrule your ego and accept the offer. If others block your offers, it only becomes a problem if it frustrates you. Accept and justify others’ blocks, and the problem evaporates.

Not all blocks are problematic. Blocking spects’ offers with a direct challenge can cause them to become even more invested in their ideas.

Ethan is talking about his plans after graduation. “I can’t wait to get out of this stupid town.” Elsie shakes her head. “You’re never going to leave.” Ethan commits to his idea even stronger. “The heck I’m not. I’m already packed.”

When an offer contains a point of view, blocking can be used to get players to dig deeper and reveal what’s beneath the surface.

Kara and Spencer are relaxing on the beach. Kara declares, “It’s so great to get away from it all,” but Spencer isn’t buying it. “Don’t give me that. I know you. You’re dying to check your phone.” Kara makes a face. “I know, I know. Does that make me a bad person?”

Blocking others’ offers to maintain control makes co-creation more difficult, but used wisely, it’s an effective way to heighten investment or dig deeper.

Updated: August 22, 2024

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance