Ilinx is a kind of play, described by sociologist Roger Caillois, a major figure in game studies. Ilinx creates a temporary disruption of perception, as with vertigo, dizziness, or disorienting changes in direction of movement.

Conceptual development

Caillois developed the concept of ilinx.[1]: 97 

Caillois identified several categories of play in Les Jeux et Les Hommes (English title: Man, Play, and Games)[1]: 97  Among these is ilinx, which describes the playfully altered perception or "voluptuous panic" resulting when a person subjects themself to abrupt "spasm, seizure, or shock which destroys reality with sovereign business."[1]: 97 

Caillois's other categories, which should be considered alongside ilinx as any form of play rarely fits wholly and discretely into one category, are agon, (competition), alea (chance) and mimesis ("mimicry").[1]: 97 

Examples

Caillois uses the ilinx to describe the objective of a child who spins around in a circle to become dizzy.[1]: 97 

Bungee jumping is an example of the experience of ilinx.[1]: 97 

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Simpson, Tim (2023). Betting on Macau: Casino Capitalism and China's Consumer Revolution. Globalization and Community series. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-1-5179-0031-1.
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