This book serves as a comprehensive guide to the field of video game studies, examining games from multiple angles, including technology, industry, design, culture, sociology, and philosophy. Edited by Mark J. P. Wolf and Bernard Perron, the second edition expands on the first with updated research and new chapters on eSports, game preservation, virtual reality, diversity, and identity.
Key Sections & Themes
1️⃣ Technological Aspects
Explores the hardware and software behind video games, including:
- Artifacts: The material history of games, from arcade machines to digital-only releases.
- Artificial Intelligence: How AI shapes game behavior and player experiences.
- Controllers & Interfaces: Innovations in player interaction, from joysticks to VR.
- Emulation & Preservation: The challenges of keeping old games accessible.
2️⃣ Industrial Aspects
Examines the business and economic dynamics of the gaming industry, covering:
- Digital Distribution & Free-to-Play Models: The shift from physical sales to online marketplaces.
- Game Labor: The working conditions of developers and the gig economy in gaming.
- Indie & AAA Games: The differences in production, creativity, and risk-taking.
- Globalization: How games are developed and localized across different cultures.
3️⃣ Formal Aspects
Focuses on game design principles, including:
- Game Art & Aesthetics: The visual evolution of video games.
- Augmented, Mixed & Virtual Reality: How new technologies expand immersion.
- Level Design & World-Building: How environments shape player experiences.
- Sound & Music: The role of audio in storytelling and atmosphere.
4️⃣ Playfulness Aspects
Analyzes player behavior and engagement, covering:
- Casual & Hardcore Gaming: Different play styles and motivations.
- Cheating & Competition: Ethical concerns in gaming.
- Single vs. Multiplayer: The social dynamics of playing alone or with others.
5️⃣ Generic Aspects
Breaks down different game genres, including:
- Action & Adventure: How these genres balance challenge and exploration.
- Role-Playing & Strategy: The evolution of complex game mechanics.
- Simulation & Sports: How games mimic reality or create new possibilities.
- eSports: The rise of competitive gaming as a mainstream sport.
6️⃣ Cultural Aspects
Explores how games reflect and shape society, including:
- Convergence: How games interact with other media like movies and books.
- Education: The use of games in learning and training.
- Violence & Death: The ongoing debate on video games and aggression.
- Retrogaming: The nostalgia-driven revival of classic games.
7️⃣ Sociological Aspects
Examines representation and community in games, covering:
- Characters & Identity: How games depict gender, race, and culture.
- Diversity & Disability: Inclusion and accessibility in game design.
- Online Communities: The rise of gaming forums, streaming, and social play.
8️⃣ Philosophical Aspects
Investigates the deeper meaning of games, including:
- Cognition & Ideology: How games influence thought and politics.
- Immersion & Meaning: What makes games emotionally powerful.
- Ethics & Narratology: Moral choices and storytelling in interactive media.
Conclusion
This book is a must-read for students, scholars, and industry professionals looking to understand video games beyond entertainment. It highlights their impact on technology, society, and culture while providing insights into how they are designed, played, and perceived globally.