The Postmodern Joy of Role-playing Games: Agency, Ritual and Meaning in the Medium

Schallegger, René Reinhold

ISBN 10: 1476664935 / ISBN 13: 9781476664934

Published by McFarland Publishing, 2018

About this Item

215 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.43 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-1476664935

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Postmodern Joy of Role-playing Games: Agency, Ritual and Meaning in the Medium
• Publisher: McFarland Publishing
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1476664935
• ISBN 13: 9781476664934
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.32 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Historian Johan Huizinga once described game playing as the motor of humanity's cultural development, predating art and literature. Since the late 20th century, Western society has undergone a "ludification," as the influence of game-playing has grown ever more prevalent. At the same time, new theories of postmodernism have emphasized the importance of interactive, playful behavior.

Core concepts of postmodernism are evident in pen-and-paper role-playing, such as Dungeons and Dragons. Exploring the interrelationships among narrative, gameplay, players and society, the author raises questions regarding authority, agency and responsibility, and discusses the social potential of RPGs in the 21st century.

About the Author

Rene Reinhold Schallegger is an assistant professor for British studies, Canadian studies and game studies at Alpen-Adria-Universitat in Austria.