ilinx

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.{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=Tim |title=Betting on Macau: Casino Capitalism and China's Consumer Revolution |date=2023 |publisher=University of Minnesota Press |isbn=978-1-5179-0031-1 |series=Globalization and Community series |location=Minneapolis}}{{Rp|page=97}}

Caillois identified several categories of play in Les Jeux et Les Hommes (English title: Man, Play, and Games){{Rp|page=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."{{Rp|page=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").{{Rp|page=97}}

Examples

Caillois uses the ilinx to describe the objective of a child who spins around in a circle to become dizzy.{{Rp|page=97}}

Bungee jumping is an example of the experience of ilinx.{{Rp|page=97}}

References