Game Studies Study Buddies

A lively dive into Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow, its defining features, and how it became a self-help canon. They probe the book’s methods, examples, and claims of universality. The conversation examines political and ethical consequences, who gets excluded from flow, and how the idea migrated into game studies. Critical questions about hierarchy, survivorship, and moral blind spots keep the discussion sharp.

We discuss Alenda Chang’s Playing Nature. Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Come hang out in our Discord channel. Support this show and all of our videos on Patreon, where you can also get our notes for this episode for $3 a month! Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

We discuss Celia Pearce’s Communities of Play. Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Come hang out in our Discord channel. Support this show and all of our videos on Patreon, where you can also get our notes for this episode for $3 a month! Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

The hosts immerse themselves in the 2007 documentary, exploring the intense rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell. They analyze how the film's narrative shapes perceptions of competitive gaming and discuss the cultural significance of high scores at Twin Galaxies. Personal stories weave through discussions on parenting and gaming aspirations, highlighting emotional stakes. The chaotic ending and the characters' complexities reflect deeper themes of hope, redemption, and societal dynamics, all wrapped in humor and intriguing insights into gaming culture.

Dive into the cultural transformation of video game arcades from the '70s to '80s, where gaming shifted from adult entertainment to family fun. Explore the gender dynamics of gaming in the '90s, illustrated by personal anecdotes and marketing trends. Discover the humorous critique of masculinity in gaming culture alongside nostalgic reflections and regulatory complexities surrounding pinball. Lastly, discuss the impact of notable works, like 'Death Race 2000', and the intersection of gaming culture with gender politics, urging a more inclusive community.

We delve deep into Henry Jenkins’ essay “Game Design as Narrative Architecture,” a classic in the game studies field. Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Come hang out in our Discord channel. Support this show and all of our videos on Patreon, where you can also get our notes for this episode for $3 a month! Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

Dive into the lesser-known philosophy of play through James S. Hans’ intriguing text from 1981. The discussion explores the impact of Deleuze and Guattari's works on capitalism and desire, revealing how play transcends traditional notions of work. Delve into the connections between video games and climate narratives, challenging how we perceive environmental issues. The hosts also critique the commodification of play in a capitalist society, advocating for a reexamination of values and the importance of collaboration within gaming communities.

The hosts dive into Espen Aarseth’s influential work, Cybertext, exploring its impact on game studies and narrative theory. They discuss ergodic literature, questioning traditional interpretations of reader interaction. The conversation reveals the dynamic nature of interactive fiction, contrasting linear and non-linear narratives. Adventure games are examined for their unique storytelling and player engagement, addressing complex ethical considerations. They also touch on the relationship between technology, democracy, and the politics of game design, rounding off with an intriguing announcement for their next reading.

We discuss Chris Paul’s Wordplay. Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Come hang out in our Discord channel. Support this show and all of our videos on Patreon, where you can also get our notes for this episode for $3 a month! Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.

We discuss C.L.R. James’s Beyond a Boundary. Follow Ranged Touch on Twitter. Follow CMRN on Twitter. Follow Michael on Twitter. Come hang out in our Discord channel. Support this show and all of our videos on Patreon, where you can also get our notes for this episode for $3 a month! Chris Hunt created the theme song for this show.