Game Studies for Everyone

<p>What makes a game with no characters, no story, and no ending one of the most beloved of all time? In this episode, we dive into the deceptively simple brilliance of Tetris—a game born in 1985 Soviet Russia that took...

<p>What happens when a game refuses to hold your hand—or even care if you survive? In this episode, we dive into Naomi Clark’s essay “Kenshi,” a sharp and deeply personal examination of the cult-favorite open-world RPG...

<p>In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of memory, identity, and digital escape through the lens of Kishonna L. Gray’s personal essay “Dear God, Make Me a Bird, So I Can Fly Far Far Away from Here.”...

<p>We explore the fascinating evolution of the beloved board game Puerto Rico. Join us as we delve into its initial acclaim, the growing concerns surrounding its colonial themes, and the inspiring journey that led to...

<p>What do racing games and real-life ambition have in common? In this episode, we dive into Lindsay Grace’s reflections from Well Played: For the Love of Games, where he traces his lifelong connection to speed—from...

<p>What happens when decades of gaming lead to a realization that the grind isn’t everything? In this episode, we follow Dr. Kurt Squire’s journey through 35 years of online multiplayer games, from the early days of...

<p>Dive into the personal and academic adventures of those who found meaning, community, and even love through games. XP & Romance explores how gaming shapes identity, relationships, and careers—whether it’s discovering...

<p>What if the point of a game wasn’t to win, but to question why we play at all? In this episode, we explore the thought-provoking and unconventional video game You, a critical gameplay experience that flips...

<p>In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking mobile game Stolen Kisses, designed to upend the heteronormative tropes of traditional affection games and create a more inclusive, diverse experience for players...

<p>What happens when you adapt a literary classic into a game using only emoji? In this episode, we dive into The Unbearable Lightness of Meaning, a game inspired by Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being. We...

<p>In this episode, we explore a fascinating case study from the "Critical Gameplay" series, focusing on the video game Healer and its bold reimagining of what it means to play. Healer challenges the traditional...

<p>What happens when games go beyond fun and entertainment to challenge societal norms and player expectations? In this episode, we dive into the growing field of "critical games," a transformative genre in the video...

<p>Ever wondered how the software you use shapes your creativity? In this episode, we unpack a thought-provoking study from the International Journal of the Humanities that dives into the philosophy behind software...

<p>Step into the immersive world of digital games and interactive art with our latest episode, where we dive deep into Blank Arcade 2016, an early and pioneering exhibition that showcased games as art worthy of the...

<p>In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of "critical gameplay design," an innovative form of game development that challenges the norms of traditional gaming. Discover how critical gameplay is more than...