ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the intrinsic relationship between text and videogames, focusing on how both paratextual and intradiegetic texts shape the gaming experience. Paratexts, such as game menus and system interfaces, serve as bridges between the player and the gameworld, often unnoticed unless emphasised. Intradiegetic texts, embedded within the gameworld, on the other hand, can form part of the narrative, influencing player decisions. Both forms of text can occur as metareferences, where texts reflect on their own construction. This chapter examines various games to map out the spectrum of self-reflexive and non-self-reflexive texts, highlighting the role of genre and pacing in shaping player interaction with in-game text. By focusing on the interplay between text, game structure, and player engagement, this analysis also emphasises the various effects of self-reflexivity of these metareferences, showing that they can break the fourth wall, enhance narrative depth or guide gameplay.
