Feeling so Real – a Phenomenological Exploration into the Realities of Emotions in Play

In recent studies on emotions and computer games the experiential side of emotions is often left uncharted due to methodological constraints. Regarding a comprehensive understanding on computer games and emotions such ignorance is untenable. By basing its analysis on an experience already lived as an emotional playing experience, this paper examines emotions in play in regard to both their qualities and the totalities in which their objects reside. The paper investigates the grounds on which some emotions in play could be said to be more real than others and suggests the existence of at least two totalities of emotions in play: the deniable and the undeniable.