Call for Participation- The Practices and Politics of Inclusivity in Games
A co-hosted workshop of the MeCCSa Women’s Media Studies Network and the ReFIG partnership. Hosted by the Department of Media and Communication, University of Leicester, as part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations.
September 15, 2016
Academic and market research over the last decade has shown that audiences of women and girls for digital games has increased in tandem with the expansion of this major global media industry. Despite their presence and contributions, as not only players but also designers, writers, community managers, critics, and journalists, women’s participation in digital games culture has been characterized by often polemical and sexist discourse and action from those who deem their practices less legitimate, authentic, and worthy. In response, an array of inclusivity practices within digital games culture, often spearheaded by women, trans people, disabled people, and people of colour, have demonstrated that taking part in digital games is both playful and political. Through these practices, they have transformed the culture of this media form.
This workshop aims to highlight these diverse practices and their politics with a focus on showcasing cutting-edge research innovating on theory and methods, from a range of perspectives including play, production, journalism, criticism and beyond. It will feature three speakers undertaking research and activism in this domain:
Helen Kennedy (University of Brighton)
Phoenix Perry (Goldsmiths, University of London)
Siobhan Thomas (London South Bank University).
The event will also feature selected talks by graduate students in the area. Please submit an abstract of 250-300 words including your paper title, a brief summary of its topic and methods, and your affiliation. Bursaries are available to support the travel costs of students if accepted. Send all abstracts to Dr Alison Harvey at ah463@le.ac.uk by June 15, 2016.
This event will be held at the University of Leicester, Bankfield House Seminar Room, on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 12pm- 4pm. Lunch and refreshments will be served, and the event is free though registration is required as space is limited. Please register by emailing Dr Alison Harvey at ah463@le.ac.uk.
