Game Studies Study Buddies

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.

Anne-Marie Schleiner discusses Ludic Mutation in games, exploring player creativity, activism, and resistance. The hosts delve into academic challenges, anthropomorphic narratives, game mods, and empathetic missions. They also touch on corporate influence, player autonomy, and the potential for games to drive social impact.

We discuss Rebecca Cassidy’s Vicious Games: Capitalism and Gambling. 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.

Natasha Dow Schüll, expert on machine gambling in Las Vegas, discusses the addictive 'machine zone' in casinos and the impact of design on prolonged engagement. The podcast explores capitalism's influence on the gambling industry, the architecture of casinos, and parallels between mobile games and casino aesthetics. It also delves into the allure of gaming productivity tactics and the concept of 'play to extinction' in gambling addiction.

We discuss Michael Saler’s As If: Modern Enchantment and the Literary Prehistory of Virtual Reality.  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.

Seth Giddings, author of 'Gameworlds: Virtual Media and Children's Everyday Play,' discusses children's engagement with digital media, the concept of Soft Worlds, the impact of digital artifacts on play, and the evolution of mediatized play. The podcast explores how video games influence imaginative play and the fascination of children with Grand Theft Auto, alongside promoting support for various podcast shows.

We discuss Jacques Ranciere’s The Ignorant Schoolmaster. 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.

We talk about Patrick Crogan’s Gameplay Mode: War, Simulation, and Technoculture. 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.