Game Studies Study Buddies

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.

We discuss 1978’s The Grasshopper, a book on the philosophy of games. 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.

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.

Dive into the fascinating world of cultural studies and Marxist theory as the hosts unpack Stuart Hall's influential ideas. Explore the nuances of base and superstructure, false consciousness, and the dynamic interplay of ideology. Discover how Shakespeare's themes resonate within gaming culture, and examine Rastafarianism's challenge to cultural hegemony. With engaging stories and relatable concepts, this discussion emphasizes the relevance of historical perspectives in understanding contemporary cultural dynamics.

We discuss Gary Alan Fine’s foundational book Shared Fantasy: Role Playing Games as Social Worlds from 1983. 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.

Austin Walker, IP director for Possibility Space and a seasoned narrative critic, dives into the transformative years of tabletop RPGs from 2001 to 2012, exploring the legacy of The Forge community. They discuss the dynamics of feedback, inclusivity, and representation within RPG culture, highlighting the importance of personal narratives. Walker unpacks the evolution of game design theories, contrasting traditional norms with modern gaming practices, and shares humorous anecdotes from gaming conventions. This lively conversation sheds light on the intricate interplay between game creation and community.

We discuss Jon Peterson’s The Elusive Shift: How Role Playing Games Forged Their Identity. Buy the shirt! Support this show on Patreon! Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.