Video Games and Comedy

Video Games and Comedy is the first edited volume to explore the intersections between comedy and video games, collecting chapters from scholars exploring theories of comedy and humor, humor in video game contexts, and case studies of individual games.

Format: Hardback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Video Games and Comedy is a groundbreaking edited volume that delves into the fascinating intersections between comedy and video games. This pioneering work brings together chapters from a diverse array of scholars, offering a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between these two mediums from various perspectives.

The book begins with a section that delves into the theories of comedy and humor, adapting them to the unique characteristics of the video game medium. These chapters shed light on the comedic elements found in video games, such as humor, satire, and parody, and how they contribute to the overall gaming experience.

The second section of the book takes a deeper dive into the realm of humor within the contexts, cultures, and communities that surround video games. It examines the emergence of in-jokes, player self-reflexivity, and player/fan creativity as phenomena that shape the gaming world. The authors explore how humor is used to foster community, create social bonds, and add depth to the gaming experience.

The third section presents case studies of individual games or game series, highlighting the use of irony, sexual humor, and racial humor in video games. These chapters provide in-depth analysis of how these forms of humor are employed to engage players, challenge societal norms, and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

One notable chapter in the book is titled "Emergence and Ephemerality of Humor During Live Coverage of Large-Scale eSports Events." This chapter is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via the link: link.springer.com. It explores the unique comedic dynamics that arise during live coverage of eSports events, highlighting the interplay between commentators, players, and viewers.

Overall, Video Games and Comedy is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of comedy and video games. It offers a wealth of insights, theories, and case studies that shed light on the complex and evolving relationship between these two mediums. By exploring the humor found in video games, this book contributes to our understanding of the gaming industry and its impact on popular culture.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030883379
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022