Academic

Close Playing (with Theresa Tanenbaum)

How do we go about analyzing video games? Well, close playing is one of the most prominent methods to do so. Together with Prof. Dr. Theresa Jean Tanenbaum, we discuss what close playing means and how to pragmatically go about it. Shownotes Well read: Applying close reading techniques to gameplay experiences (Jim Bizzocchi and Theresa Tanenbaum)…

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Tips for neurodiverse students and academics

We discuss the problems neurodiverse students and academics may face throughout their studies and provide a series of tips and tools. Shownotes Neurodiversity in higher education: a narrative synthesis (Clouder, L., Karakus, M., Cinotti, A. et al.) Autism spectrum disorder: reconceptualising support for neurodiverse students in higher education (Evans, D., Granson, M., Langford, D., and Hirsch, S.)…

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Revisiting Ludo-Narrative Dissonance

Ludo-narrative dissonance occurs when a game’s story appears to be at odds with the gameplay. When The Witcher has to urgently save Ciri, but must first explore every village and cave, master a trading card game, and visit all the brothels in the realm. But can ludo-narrative dissonance also have creative merit? We discuss precisely…

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How to do research (online) fast

There is so much information to parse that even getting an overview can be quite dazzling. Here are some crucial tips on how you can get your hands on lots of interesting papers, organise them, and stay up-to-date. Shownotes Google Scholar Research Rabbit

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Reading Schrape’s Gamification and Governmentality

Gamification is one of the most extensively used buzzwords these days. And rightfully so, considering that the logic of play pervades just about all domains of daily life. We discuss Niklas Schrape’s critical reflection, based on the text Gamification and Governmentality. Shownotes Schrape, Niklas: Gamification and Governmentality. In: Mathias Fuchs, Sonia Fizek, Paolo Ruffino et al….

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Trauma in Video Games (with Thomas Spies)

Oh no, your family has been abducted and your village burnt to the ground! Better start a bloody vendetta…or so the story of many video games starts out. Our guest, Dr. Thomas Spies, argues in favour of more complex and differentiated trauma representations. Here’s our conversation about titles such as Max Payne, Distraint, The Last…

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How to Find a Research Topic

Finding an interesting research topic can be tough, especially when a mandatory thesis looms large. But fret not: here are our tips to find a topic for those still on the hunt. Shownotes Plus 7. What Makes a Good Research Question (Studying Pixels)

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Worst Mistakes to Make as a Student

University life can be hard. Don’t make it harder for yourself, then! Here are some of the worst mistakes to make as a student. We list them so you do not have to make them. Shownotes How NOT to write a term paper (Studying Pixels Plus) 10 Tips to Nail Your Next Presentation (Studying Pixels Plus)

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True Sight (with Sarah Stang)

Seeing beyond what seems to be real, seeing a ‘truth’ obscured from others—there seems to be a proper fascination with this exclusive gaze. We explore the notion of true sight in video games such as The Cat Lady and Fran Bow with Dr. Sarah Stang, Assistant Professor of Game Studies at Brock University in Canada. Shownotes Madness as True…

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