Journal of the Philosophy of Games – Special Issue on Meaning and
Computer Games
On the occasion of the 9th Philosophy of Computer Games conference in fall 2015 we gathered game researchers, designers, and philosophers to discuss topics related to meaning and computer games. We hereby invite articles to a special issue on meaning and games of the newly launched Journal of the Philosophy of Games. Submissions are open to scholars in any field of studies who take a professional interest in the philosophy
of computer games.
We welcome papers that address one or more of the following issues:
- Computer games as carriers of representational meanings: How do games convey meaning? Which interpretation methods are most feasible for understanding computer games? Which theories, concepts, and models of meaning-making (e.g. semantics, semiotics, hermeneutics, rhetoric, logic) may apply in the case of computer games in general, or in individual games? How do computer games challenge standing theories of meaning?
- Meaning production in gameplay: Is there a unique kind of meaning that applies specifically to the activity of gameplay? How does such meaning differ from semantic, semiotic, hermeneutic and logic-based conceptions of meaning? What characterises meaningful activities in games? How should we characterize the player’s interpretations of the activity of gameplay? How can the experience of meaning arise in computer gameplay?
- Value and computer games: How do specific forms of meaning-production in computer games and gameplay contribute to their wider existential, social and cultural value? What is the meaning of in-game values in computer games, how do they relate to general values?
- Designing for meaning in games: Which philosophies help us theorise the concept and practices of meaningful game design? How can philosophical approaches to meaning contribute to enriching game design in general?
Contributions will have a clear focus on philosophy and philosophical issues in relation to computer games. Their main emphasis should be an investigation of a theoretical or philosophical point about computer games. They will refer to specific examples of computer games rather than merely invoke them in more general terms.
The paper should be no longer than 7000 words excluding bibliography and adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style, Sixteenth Edition. The deadline for submissions is Midnight GMT, 15 May 2016. All submitted papers will be subject to double blind peer review.
Submissions: https://www.journals.uio.no/index.php/JPG/index
Editor: Sebastian Möring
More information:
https://www.journals.uio.no/index.php/JPG/index
https://www.facebook.com/gamephilosophynetwork
https://www.gamephilosophy.org
