The book explores the role of games in addressing environmental issues, featuring chapters by established and emerging authors across four thematic sections. It offers a comprehensive scope, covering various angles, methodologies, and case studies, expanding the field of green media studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 612 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2024
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

With the climate crisis and its repercussions becoming more and more tangible, games are increasingly participating in the production, circulation, and interrogation of environmental assumptions, using both explicit and implicit ways of framing the crisis. Whether they are providing new spaces to imagine and practice alternative forms of living, or reproducing ecomodernist fantasies, games as well as player cultures are increasingly tuned in to the most pressing environmental concerns. This book brings together chapters by a diverse group of established and emerging authors to develop a growing body of scholarship that explores the shape, impact, and cultural context of ecogames. The book comprises four thematic sections: Today's Challenges: Games for Change, Future Worlds: New Imaginaries, The Nonhuman Turn, and Critical Metagaming Practices. Each section explores different aspects of ecocritical engagement in and through games. As a result, the book's comprehensive scope covers a variety of angles, methodologies, and case studies, significantly expanding the field of green media studies.

Games and the Climate Crisis

The climate crisis is a pressing global issue that is affecting our planet in numerous ways. As a result, games are increasingly participating in the production, circulation, and interrogation of environmental assumptions, using both explicit and implicit ways of framing the crisis. Whether they are providing new spaces to imagine and practice alternative forms of living, or reproducing ecomodernist fantasies, games as well as player cultures are increasingly tuned in to the most pressing environmental concerns.

The Shape of Ecogames

Ecogames are a diverse range of games that engage with environmental issues in various ways. They can be categorized into different genres, such as simulation, adventure, and strategy games, and can be played on various platforms, including consoles, computers, and mobile devices. Ecogames can range in complexity from simple text-based games to complex, immersive experiences that require hours of play. Some ecogames focus on specific environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, while others explore broader themes related to sustainability and environmental justice.

The Impact of Ecogames

Ecogames have the potential to have a significant impact on environmental awareness and behavior. They can provide players with a new perspective on the world and help them to understand the complex relationships between humans and the environment. Ecogames can also encourage players to take action to address environmental issues, such as reducing their carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for environmental policies. However, the impact of ecogames can vary depending on the game's design, gameplay, and marketing. Some ecogames may be designed to be educational and informative, while others may be designed to be entertaining and engaging.

The Cultural Context of Ecogames

Ecogames are deeply embedded in the cultural context of our society. They reflect the values, beliefs, and practices of our society and can be used to challenge and transform these values and practices. Ecogames can also be used to promote social justice and environmental activism. For example, some ecogames have been used to raise awareness about climate change and to encourage people to take action to address it. Others have been used to promote sustainable practices and to challenge the dominant economic system.

The Future of Ecogames

The future of ecogames is bright. As the climate crisis continues to worsen, we will see more and more games that engage with environmental issues. We will also see more and more games that are designed to be more accessible and inclusive, so that people from all backgrounds can participate in the conversation about environmental sustainability. Additionally, we will see more and more games that are designed to be more interactive and immersive, so that players can feel more connected to the environment and to the characters in the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, games are increasingly participating in the production, circulation, and interrogation of environmental assumptions, using both explicit and implicit ways of framing the crisis. Whether they are providing new spaces to imagine and practice alternative forms of living, or reproducing ecomodernist fantasies, games as well as player cultures are increasingly tuned in to the most pressing environmental concerns. Ecogames are a diverse range of games that engage with environmental issues in various ways, and have the potential to have a significant impact on environmental awareness and behavior. The cultural context of ecogames is deeply embedded in our society, and can be used to challenge and transform these values and practices. The future of ecogames is bright, and we will see more and more games that are designed to be more accessible and inclusive, more interactive and immersive, and more effective in addressing environmental issues.

Weight: 1160g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463721196