Category: Hard Core Columns

Losing the Game: The Guilty Pleasure of Games as Work David Surman In Game Studies, I am frequently impressed by the discipline with which some maintain the objectivity to produce coherent textual analyses, which provides insight into both game and gamer. Notions of research methodology are one of several key issues in contemporary game studies…

The Pleasures and Dangers of the Game: Up Close and Personal Tanya Krzywinska I’m on my way to Iron Forge from the night-elf outpost of Astranaar; it’s quite a journey, involving running, catching a boat and flying on a hypogryff. My bags are full of booty robbed from the newly slain and I’m looking to…

The Quiet Revolution: Three Theses for the Future of Game Studies Frans Mäyrä There is an ongoing, mostly silent revolution taking place in our culture and society. The realm of imagination and creativity, or skills for problem-solving and construction are no longer restricted in the tangible physical world. Extension and investment of modern life and…

Gosu Game Studies by Henry Lowood A recent Gamespot feature article explored the relationship between academic game studies and commercial game development in considerable depth. It also considered whether game designers are benefiting from critical studies. These issues are important and timely. Yet, after reading the article I became uncomfortable with measuring the success of…

“Between a rock and a hard place” by Tony Manninen I am a gamer. I enjoy immensely play and games. The thrilling atmosphere of a LAN party is something to look forward to, playing with other people provides endless sources of enjoyment. My heart pounds when designing a new game, and when seeing it enjoyed…

Hardcore: What is it?