ABSTRACT

Video gaming is economically, educationally, culturally, socially and theoretically important, and has, in a relatively short period of time, firmly cemented its place within contemporary life. It is fair to say, however, that the majority of research to date has focused most specifically on either the video games themselves, or the direct engagement of gamers with a specific piece of game technology.

In contrast, Video Gamers is the first book to explicitly and comprehensively address how digital games are engaged with and experienced in the everyday lives, social networks and consumer patterns of those who play them. In doing so, the book provides a key introduction to the study of gamers and the games they play, whilst also reflecting on the current debates and literatures surrounding gaming practices.

chapter |16 pages

Studying video games

chapter |15 pages

Understanding video gameplay

chapter |15 pages

Video gamers as audience

chapter |19 pages

Who plays video games?

chapter |31 pages

Key aspects of video gameplay

chapter |23 pages

Conceptualizing video gamer culture

chapter |23 pages

Video gamer productivity

chapter |17 pages

Video gaming and everyday life