“A Definition of Enchantment”: A New Approach to the Analysis of Magic Systems in Fantasy Games

Magic systems in fantasy games often suffer from reductive design, frequently categorized merely as mechanical resource management rather than meaningful narrative or thematic experiences. This analysis proposes a new framework for evaluating these systems by applying Antoine Faivre’s criteriology of Western esotericism to digital play. By shifting the focus from simple input-output mechanics to the philosophical and experiential dimensions of magic, the research argues that games can transcend habitual sense-making to foster a deeper sense of enchantment.

The study employs a qualitative, close-reading methodology to examine a diverse array of titles, including Dungeons & Dragons, Wildermyth, Magic: The Gathering, The Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator. By mapping these games against esoteric concepts such as correspondences, living nature, and the experience of transmutation, the analysis demonstrates how specific design choices—such as the linking of objects in interactive fiction or the alchemical processes in simulation games—can evoke a genuine sense of wonder. These examples illustrate that when magic systems mirror esoteric principles, they move beyond mere utility and become tools for player-driven narrative and cognitive engagement.

Ultimately, the findings suggest that the industry’s tendency toward disenchantment through overly rigid, predictable systems limits the potential of the fantasy genre. By integrating esoteric frameworks, developers can create more immersive and intellectually stimulating environments. This approach provides a robust vocabulary for designers and scholars to analyze how digital magic functions not just as a set of rules, but as a medium for exploring the relationship between player agency, imagination, and the simulated supernatural.