
Game Studies Study Buddies
Learn all about the academic field of game studies!
Latest episodes

May 31, 2024 • 0sec
70 – De Koven – The Well-Played Game
We talk about Bernard De Koven’s The Well-Played Game.
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Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Apr 30, 2024 • 1h 59min
69 – Hunter – Playing Real
Lindsay Brandon Hunter discusses mimesis, media, and mischief in Playing Real. They explore Shakespearean performances, authenticity in media, and the intersection of ARGs and conspiracy theories. The episode delves into the challenges of replicating live theatre essence on film and the concept of acting authenticity.

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 30min
68 – Švelch – Player vs Monster
Jaroslav Švelch discusses 'Player vs Monster' in a lively chat about video game monstrosities, literary comparisons, D&D creatures, and the evolution of monster designs in games. The hosts explore Christeva and Douglas's views on monstrosity in literature, Gary Gygax's legacy in D&D, and the future of monsters in gaming.

Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 51min
67 – Kelly González – Ready Player Juan
We talk about Carlos Gabriel Kelly González’s Ready Player Juan.
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Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 52min
66 – Cote – Gaming Sexism
Amanda Cote discusses gaming sexism in the podcast. They explore gender dynamics in gaming, unpack sexism in gaming culture, and discuss strategies for combating sexism. The conversation also touches on misogyny in gaming culture, code names and cosplay controversy at PAX East, and research limitations in gender studies.

Dec 31, 2023 • 1h 46min
65 – Ito – Engineering Play
Mizuko Ito, author of Engineering Play, discusses the cultural history of children's software. Topics include the evolution of educational software, the intersection of education and entertainment in gaming, and the use of fun as resistance in educational settings. The conversation also touches on gender dynamics in gaming, construction software tools, and the influence of technology on play styles.

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 16min
64 – Nguyen – The Digital Is Kid Stuff
Josef Nguyen, an author exploring creative labor in a precarious economy, dives into the themes from his book, 'The Digital Is Kid Stuff.' He shares insights on the importance of children's perspectives in gaming and critiques societal perceptions of youth creativity. The conversation highlights how platforms like Minecraft foster innovation while addressing the pressures of neoliberalism that shape these creative spaces. Nguyen also reflects on the nostalgic impact of classic educational games, revealing how they influenced early learning experiences.

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 43min
63 – Kinder – Playing With Power
Marsha Kinder, author of 'Playing With Power,' discusses predicting digital media impact, children's language development, Nintendo's marketing, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gender divisions in an insightful analysis.

Sep 30, 2023 • 1h 35min
62 – Ryan – Narrative As Virtual Reality
We talk about Marie-Laure Ryan’s 2001 book Narrative As Virtual Reality.
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Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Aug 31, 2023 • 2h 26min
61 – Hon – You’ve Been Played
Adrian Hon, an author and expert on the impact of gamification, discusses his book 'You've Been Played'. He critiques how institutions manipulate games to control behavior and productivity. The conversation dives into the realities of gamification in the workplace, particularly in the gig economy, and the tension between surveillance and autonomy in trucking. Hon also explores the ethical implications of game design and the impact of narrative on conspiracy theories. This thought-provoking dialogue invites reflection on the interplay between technology, control, and individual agency.
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