Ping-pong Game Fallacy

The accusation that an entire discussion has degenerated into a repetitive, unresolvable rally of objections and counter-objections with no progress, and that continuing to participate is inherently irrational. The person deploying this fallacy appoints themselves the referee who declares the "game" pointless, often to mask their inability to land a substantive point or to escape a losing position. It invalidates the process of dialectic by dismissing it as childish play.

Example: Two philosophers are deeply engaged in a nuanced email thread exploring a contradiction. A third person interjects: "You two are stuck in a ping-pong game fallacy. This is just intellectual circle-jerking that goes nowhere." This unfairly reduces a complex, evolving dialogue to a mere game, aiming to discredit the entire endeavor rather than engage with its content.

by Dumuabzu February 3, 2026

Chasing A Floating Planet (Video Game)

Official name for the upcoming video game by Werley Nortreus called 'A Couple Chasing A Floating Planet' or 'Chasing A Floating Planet'. The video game is about a couple on a scooter chasing a floating/flying planet/orb/star on the urban road in the town called Vinciamopol.

Chasing A Floating Planet (Video Game) was invented by Werley Nortreus.

by Jacob Martinique February 8, 2026

A Couple Chasing A Floating Planet (Video Game)

Official name for the upcoming video game by Werley Nortreus called 'A Couple Chasing A Floating Planet' or 'Chasing A Floating Planet'. The video game is about a couple on a scooter chasing a floating/flying planet/orb/star on the urban road in the town called Vinciamopol.

A Couple Chasing A Floating Planet (Video Game) was invented by Werley Nortreus.

by Jacob Martinique February 8, 2026

Debate Ping-Pong Game Bias

The dynamic where complex issues are forced into a binary, point-counterpoint format that artificially elevates extreme positions and marginalizes nuance. The "bias" is towards spectacle and conflict, rewarding the debater who delivers the cleverest "zinger" or most dramatic rebuttal, rather than the one who contributes most to collective understanding.

*Example: A cable news segment on climate change featuring a shouting match between a climate scientist and a professional contrarian. The host frames it as a "he said, she said" duel. The debate ping-pong game bias turns a 99% scientific consensus into a 50/50 spectacle, distorting public perception by privileging theatrical conflict over informational weight.*

by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026

Logical Ping-Pong Game Bias

The tendency of a debate to devolve into a rapid, sterile exchange of formal logical charges ("straw man!" "non sequitur!" "ad hominem!") where scoring points on procedural grounds replaces engagement with substance. The "bias" is towards valuing the form of the argument as a game, making it impossible to discuss the underlying issue.

Logical Ping-Pong Game Bias Example: Two people debating economics rapidly descend into: "That's an anecdotal fallacy!" "You're attacking a straw man of my position!" "Your premise is circular!" The discussion dies as they become referees of a logical ping-pong game, more focused on catching each other's rhetorical fouls than on understanding the economic policy.

by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026

Game Sciences

The academic study of games as systems, exploring the rules, mechanics, and dynamics that make play possible and enjoyable. It's the discipline that explains why Monopoly ruins friendships (unequal resource distribution plus player elimination equals resentment), why sports are compelling (clear rules, measurable outcomes, tribalism), and why children will spend more time playing with the box than the toy inside (the box is a blank slate; the toy has pre-determined functions). Game sciences reveal that play is not trivial; it's how we learn, compete, and avoid doing actual work.

Example: "He applied game sciences to his office life, analyzing the 'game' of corporate advancement. The rules: appear busy, agree with bosses, never say what you actually think. The reward: a slightly better office and a title that impresses strangers at parties. He realized the game was rigged but played anyway because the alternative was getting fired, which is game over."

by Nammugal February 14, 2026

Game Technologies

The tools and platforms used to create and play games, from dice and cards to the latest virtual reality headsets that cost as much as a used car. Game technologies have evolved from ancient gaming stones to photorealistic simulations where you can be a medieval warrior, a space explorer, or a farmer who just wants to live a quiet life (Stardew Valley, anyone?). The most advanced game technologies now include haptic feedback suits that let you feel virtual impacts, which is either immersive or terrifying, depending on whether you're in a fighting game or a dating sim.

Example: "He invested in the latest game technologies: a VR headset, motion controllers, and a haptic vest. He loaded a game where he was a superhero flying through a futuristic city. The vest vibrated when he was shot, which was immersive. It also vibrated when his cat jumped on his lap, which was confusing. He now lives in constant fear of phantom sensations."

by Nammugal February 14, 2026