The LUNA Framework (Ludo-Narratives Framework) is a flagship output of the European Game Science Lab, developed collaboratively across Work Packages 4 and 5 by HTW Berlin (DE:HIVE) and consortium partners.
Core Philosophy
LUNA treats game rules, player interactions, and narrative structures as interconnected dimensions of playful systems. Rather than viewing mechanics in isolation, the framework structures design along the APCF Reference Axis (Agent – Process – Corpus – Form), providing designers and educators with actionable card decks, reflection sheets, and modular design stacks.
Explore the Functional Toolset
While gamesciencelab.eu represents the institutional consortium and teaching network, the interactive design workspace, full ontology, and downloadable card decks are hosted directly on the dedicated framework platform:
👉 Visit the LUNA Framework Website (luna-framework.org)
The APCF Reference Axis & Core Terminology
Tested across university cohorts at HTW Berlin, UNIFI Florence, BAU Istanbul, LTU Skellefteå, and public exhibitions in Bologna and Lucca, LUNA decomposes any playful system along four structural coordinates:
Social Frames & Roles
Who acts within the system? Defines player roles, coalitions, asymmetries, and behavioral incentives.
Ludic Process & Loops
How does the state evolve? Captures core decision loops, resource flows, and feedback dynamics.
Ludemes & Rules
What are the formal building blocks? The atomic rule structures, constraints, and victory conditions.
Ductus & Effectus
How is the player guided (Ductus) and what cognitive or emotional outcome emerges (Effectus)?