function love.load()
    keyconfig = {
        ["up"] = "MOVE_UP",
        ["down"] = "MOVE_DOWN",
        -- ...etc
    }

    keystate = {
        -- functions that actually move the player around or perform actions
        ["MOVE_UP"] = moveupfunction,
        ["MOVE_DOWN"] = movedownfunction
        -- ....etc
    }
    player.state = nil
end

function love.update(dt)
    if player.state then
        -- run function to update game based on key pressed
        keystate[player.state]()
    end
end

function love.draw()
      love.graphics.print( text, 330, 300 )
end

function love.keypressed( key )
    player.state = keyconfig[key]
end

function love.keyreleased( key )
    player.state = nil
end