Game Studies Study Buddies

C. Thi Nguyen discusses games and agency as art with hosts, exploring philosophical analysis of agency in games, different gameplay types like striving play, agency in immersion, agential layers, autonomy in games, humanism influence, unconventional gameplay, agential distance in design, value capture in gamification, agential fluidity in engagement, and exploitation of gamers in the industry.

Bettina Bódi, a notable contributor to the discourse on video games and agency, dives into both the philosophy and practical aspects of player empowerment in gaming. She discusses her book 'Videogames and Agency', sharing insights on methodologies and the significance of the 'Summer of Agency' initiative. Topics include the interplay between design and player experience, the evolution of Naughty Dog's game mechanics, and a comparative analysis of titles like Astroneer and No Man's Sky, emphasizing how design choices impact player engagement and narrative.

We talk about 2012’s Indie Game: The Movie. Ryerson piece referenced: https://web.archive.org/web/20120718043913/http://midnightresistance.co.uk/articles/indie-game-movie-review Ryerson podcast referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10a-white-collar-mario-from-the-future/id1475437756?i=1000524299956 Buy the shirt! Support this show on Patreon! Buy books from our Bookshop.org page! Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

We’re joined by TreaAndrea Russworm, Jesse Ramirez, and Gerry Canavan to talk about The Last of Us game and television show. Buy the shirt! Support this show on Patreon! Buy books from our Bookshop.org page! Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

David Sudnow, a sociologist and author, dives into his 1983 classic, 'Pilgrim in the Microworld.' The discussion highlights the cultural impact of video games, specifically exploring Sudnow’s obsession with the Atari game Breakout. They examine the relationship between gaming and identity, reflecting on themes of nostalgia and the societal implications of gaming mechanics. Personal anecdotes about arcades and philosophical insights on mastery illustrate how gaming transforms perceptions and interactions, making for a captivating exploration of play and connection.

We discuss Katherine Isbister’s How Games Move Us: Emotion By Design. Buy the shirt! Support this show on Patreon! Buy books from our Bookshop.org page! Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Rachel Lee Rubin, an author known for her insights on Renaissance Faires and American counterculture, shares captivating stories about her book, "Well Met: Renaissance Faires and the American Counterculture." They delve into the cultural significance of these fairs, discussing their evolution since the 1960s and their role in shaping community identities. The conversation highlights the intersection of humor and political commentary, and explores personal experiences that reveal the dynamic social interactions and expressions of identity found within the fair environment.

Author James Paul Gee discusses how video games can enhance learning through deep design principles, challenging traditional educational norms. The podcast explores semiotic domains in game design, adaptability in Deus Ex, and the use of illustrated textbooks in Latin education. It also delves into storytelling in games, tutorial levels, and the intersection of video games, education, and literature.

We discuss Souvik Mukherjee’s 2015 book Video Games and Storytelling. Buy the shirt! Support this show on Patreon! Buy books from our Bookshop.org page! Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Author Jamie Woodcock discusses the intersection of Marxism and video game culture, critiquing the depiction of Karl Marx in Assassin's Creed Syndicate. The podcast explores the evolution of video games, labor movements in the industry, and applying Marxist theory to game analysis. It also touches on gendered marketing, GamerGate's political implications, and upcoming books to be covered on the show.