Game History and the Local

This book explores the significance of locality in game history and historiography, covering topics such as hyper-local games, temporal anomalies, national videogame workforces, player memories, comparative reception studies, the erasure of cultural markers, the localization of games, and perspectives on the future development of 'local game history'.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the captivating world of game history and historiography, exploring the profound significance of locality in shaping the evolution and narrative of gaming. While the history of games has unfolded in diverse ways, the unique characteristics of space and place have played a pivotal role, yet many digital game and software histories remain largely silent regarding geography. The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

• Hyper-local games: Examining the emergence and impact of games that are deeply rooted in specific geographic locations, such as urban exploration games or games that celebrate local culture and heritage.
• Temporal anomalies in platform arrival and obsolescence: Analyzing the timing and patterns of game platform development, release, and decline, shedding light on the economic, technological, and cultural factors that influence their lifespan.
• National videogame workforces: Investigating the contributions of national industries and labor forces to the development and localization of games, highlighting the impact of government policies, trade agreements, and cultural exchange on the gaming landscape.
• Player memories of the places of gameplay: Exploring the emotional connections and personal narratives that players form with the physical spaces where they engage in gaming, including homes, arcades, and gaming conventions.
• Comparative reception studies of a platform: Analyzing the ways in which games on a particular platform are received and interpreted by different audiences and cultures, shedding light on the cultural nuances and ideological conflicts that shape gaming experiences.
• The erasure of cultural markers: Examining the ways in which games may erase or marginalize cultural references, symbols, and traditions, raising questions about the representation and preservation of diverse cultures in gaming.
• The localization of games: Discussing the processes and challenges involved in adapting games for different markets and languages, exploring the impact of localization on game design, narrative, and cultural authenticity.
• Perspectives on the future development of 'local game history': Providing insights into the potential directions and methodologies for studying and documenting the history of games in specific geographic contexts, including the use of new technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and community engagement.

Chapters 1 and 12 of this book are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via the following link: link.springer.com. This resource offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between game history, geography, and culture, making it a must-read for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 339g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030664244
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021