Fourth Wall

Self-awareness during gameplay. The phrase “breaking the fourth wall” refers to the act of a character or other aspect of the game directly addressing the player, television or other non-diegetic element beyond the boundaries of the game itself.

Game Addresses…

• Fake glitches
• “Fission Mailed”

Game Addresses…

• Easter eggs showing dev team

• …
  • Metal Gear Solid
• Reset button
• Control tutorials

• …
  • Guitar Hero series
  • Typing of the Dead

• Idle animation

• Idle animation
• “Blip”, Lens Flare (implies television, camera)
• Avatar contact with “inside of screen”

• Self-awareness in games