Dovey and Kennedy discuss 'Game Cultures,' exploring game studies' early development. They touch on VR, identity, simulation evolution, and resistance in gaming culture. The conversation delves into media analysis, subversion, racialization, taste cultures, character depiction, and the intersection of performance theory in game studies.
Game cultures are shaped by specific backgrounds and experiences, impacting game production and cultural norms.
Critique of traditional play theories highlights biases and proposes performance theory for game analysis.
Technicity influences player identities and interactions within video games, reflecting broader societal and cultural contexts.
Game aesthetics and technological embodiment impact player experiences, emphasizing the interplay between design, technology, and culture.
Deep dives
Chapter 1: Gameplay and Technology
Video games are analyzed as products of unique cultures defined by dominant and resistant technicities. The emphasis is on how gameplay is shaped by individuals with specific backgrounds and experiences, influencing the types of games produced and perpetuating certain norms and cultural values within the industry.
Chapter 2: Theory of Play Critique
Dovey and Kennedy critique conventional theories of play by historical figures such as Kalwa and Huizinga, pointing out their cultural biases and limitations. They challenge the concept of the 'magic circle' in game studies, arguing that games do not exist in isolated spaces but are influenced by external societal factors. They propose performance theory, drawing from Victor Turner's work on liminoid spaces, as a more realistic framework to understand game spaces.
Chapter 3: Technicity and Subjectivity
Technicity is presented as the embodiment of subjects in a technological context, asserting that technology plays a role in shaping identities and interactions within the realm of video games. This chapter delves into how individuals' technological experiences determine their engagement with games and how these interactions reflect broader societal and cultural influences.
Conclusion: Aesthetics and Gameplay
The book concludes with a focus on how gameplay aesthetics impact the player experience, highlighting the significance of embodying technology in game spaces. Dovey and Kennedy assert that gameplay is influenced not only by game design but also by the broader technological and cultural contexts that shape player identities and interactions.
The Emergence of Resistance in Game Culture
Game culture evolves to encompass resistant elements that challenge dominant technicities, allowing for a bottom-up approach in shaping gaming experiences. Examples include anti-war protests in online gaming and projects like 'Velvet Strike' which defy conventional norms within game culture.
Evolution of Modding Culture in Video Games
Modding in video games has transitioned from quirky and humorous creations to practical and aesthetic improvements, reflecting the industry's focus on realism and customization. Key mods now revolve around fixing game issues, enhancing graphics, and introducing customization options like new armors and character variations.
The Shift towards Improvement and Customization in Video Game Mods
Recent trends in video game mods emphasize functional enhancements, graphical upgrades, and aesthetic alterations, underscoring the community's interest in improving and personalizing the gaming experience. Mods often focus on enhancing gameplay mechanics, visual fidelity, and character aesthetics, demonstrating a shift towards more immersive and tailored gaming experiences.
Exploring the Grasshopper: A Philosophical Dive into Game Theory
The upcoming exploration of Bernard Suits' 'The Grasshopper' promises an in-depth philosophical examination of game theory, delving into the underlying principles and concepts that shape our understanding of games. While the book may present complex philosophical ideas, it offers a valuable perspective on the nature of gameplay and the interaction between players and game systems.
