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Playful Identities

The Ludification of Digital Media Cultures

Joost Raessens editor Sybille Lammes editor Michiel de Lange editor Jos de Mul editor Valerie Frissen editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Amsterdam University Press

Published:26th Jan '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Playful Identities cover

In this edited volume, eighteen scholars examine the increasing role of digital media technologies in identity construction through play. Going beyond computer games, this interdisciplinary collection argues that present-day play and games are not only appropriate metaphors for capturing postmodern human identities, but are in fact the means by which people create their identity. From discussions of World of Warcraft and Foursquare to digital cartographies, the combined essays form a groundbreaking volume that features the most recent insights in play and game studies, media research, and identity studies.

"Playful Identities is an illuminating study on the increasing complexity of digital playgrounds, ludic media, ludic interfaces and technologies of the self. The book presents a variety of roles and identities such as: players, learners, gamblers, users, fans, role-players, theory crafters, cheaters, and digital savages." Prof. Dr. Mathias Fuchs, Leuphana University Lüneburg "What a brilliant, refreshing, and positively playful approach to the ludic imperative. In stark opposition to the business world's cynical application of "gamification" to productivity or even the social do-gooders urger to make games "serious," these essays reveal and reify play as the essence of human experience. Herein lies access to the truth: the play is the thing. These are the smartest, most articulate, and up-to-date essays on this subject, by the very people creating this field of study" - Douglas Rushkoff, author, Present Shock, Program or Be Programmed, and Playing the Future.

ISBN: 9789089646392

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

366 pages