The Postmodern Joy of Role-Playing Games : Agency, Ritual and Meaning in the Medium (Studies in Gaming)

Schallegger, René Reinhold/ Kapell, Matthew Wilhelm (EDT)

McFarland & Co Inc（2018/03発売）

• 製本 Paperback:紙装版/ペーパーバック版／ページ数 258 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781476664934
• DDC分類 793.93

Full Description

Historian Johan Huizinga once described game playing as the motor of humanity's cultural development, predating art and literature. Since the late 20th century, Western society has undergone a "ludification," as the influence of game-playing has grown ever more prevalent. At the same time, new theories of postmodernism have emphasized the importance of interactive, playful behavior.

Core concepts of postmodernism are evident in pen-and-paper role-playing, such as Dungeons and Dragons. Exploring the interrelationships among narrative, gameplay, players and society, the author raises questions regarding authority, agency and responsibility, and discusses the social potential of RPGs in the 21st century.

Contents

Table of Contents

Preface: Joyful Games of ­Meaning-Making

1 ■ The Power of Words: Postmodernism in a Nutshell

2 ■ Homo Ludens: Theories of Play and Games

3 ■ Of Dice and (Wo)Men: What Are ­Role-Playing Games?

4 ■ Generations: The Origins and Development of RPGs

5 ■ Constructing Understanding: RPG Theory

6 ■ Metalanguage: Critical Literature on RPGs

7 ■ Reframing: Alternative Theoretical Perspectives

Conclusion: Making Connections

Abbreviations Used

Chapter Notes

Bibliography

Index