Finding ways of being: psychogeography in urban codemaking

The practice of ‘urban codemaking’ as central to a series of pervasive games is articulated in this paper. Its role as a kind of freeform wayfinding is explored, informed by psychogeography and other urban mapping strategies. In the analysis and reflection of this pervasive game design practice three main concepts are explored: urban codemaking as wayfinding strategy, phenomenology of the player experience, and articulation of the design methodologies used. In this sense, urban codemaking is seen as ‘readymade’ urban game level design, as combination of treasure hunt and urban adventure, and to reengage players with the city.