Shows
Game Studies for EveryoneCheckpoints & Choices: Bureaucracy, Borders, and Playing Through Deportation MachinesAs immigrations tensions escalate and policy grows ever more dehumanizing, what can indie games teach us about the systems behind the suffering? In this episode, we examine how Papers, Please, North, and Borders use gameplay—not just storylines—to simulate the moral deadlocks and mechanical cruelty of U.S. deportation politics. Drawing from academic critiques that invoke Max Weber’s “iron cage of bureaucracy,” we explore how these games reflect the cold logic of enforcement agencies like ICE, trapping players in procedural loops that echo real-world immigration enforcement. Can feeling stuck in a game make us see the injustice of those s...
2025-05-1611 minGame Studies for EveryoneBorderlines & Backstories: Can Games Teach Us to Empathize With Immigrants?What happens when players step into the shoes of immigrants—not just to win, but to understand? In this episode, we explore how video games like Citizenship Quest, Everyday Racism, and Escape from Woomera attempt to foster empathy and cross-cultural awareness through gameplay. Drawing on studies that analyze classroom role-play, online discussions, and game design, we ask: can digital experiences create real emotional insight, or do they just rehearse familiar narratives? From school simulations to dystopian checkpoints, join us as we navigate the thin line between meaningful play and performative understanding in the world of migration games.
Bo...
2025-05-1516 minGame Studies for EveryonePlaying for Papers: How Video Games Expose the Cruel Logic of U.S. DeportationAs deportation politics in the U.S. grow ever more punitive and chaotic, what can a video game reveal that headlines can’t? In this episode, we explore how games like Papers, Please, Tropico, and ICED! simulate the immigrant experience—and critique it. Drawing on recent academic insights, we unpack how these digital worlds use frustration, limited freedom, and procedural rhetoric to reflect the dehumanizing systems faced by undocumented people. Can a game really challenge anti-immigrant policy? Or are we just clicking through dystopia? Tune in for a timely dive into the politics of play and the stakes of repr...
2025-05-1416 minGame Studies for EveryoneWell Played: Growing Older, Gaming DeeperDrawing from observations of the well-cited research, J.P. Gee, we discuss what happens when the goal of gaming shifts from beating the boss to contemplating the journey? In this thoughtful and moving episode, we follow Aiden, a lifelong gamer, as he shares with James Paul Gee how the meaning of “well played” has evolved over time. No longer about high scores or speedruns, it’s now about emotional resonance, patience, and philosophical depth—from Metal Gear Solid 3 to Chibi Robo. Gee reflects on his own path as an aging gamer and scholar, including an early brush with frustration and disc...
2025-05-1310 minGame Studies for EveryoneJobs, Masks, and Mastery: How RPG Systems Shape Our StoriesWhat do medieval bards, fantasy job classes, and 16th-century Italian improv have in common? In this episode, we explore the deep connections between RPG class systems and the theatrical traditions of Commedia dell’arte. From Pool of Radiance to Final Fantasy Tactics, we uncover how structured game mechanics—like choosing a job class or role—create space for improvisation, discovery, and meaningful play. Join us as we discuss how these systems don't just define characters, but unlock a world of emergent storytelling, creativity, and shared player understanding in a dance between structure and spontaneity a discussion of the writing of Sam...
2025-05-1311 minGame Studies for EveryoneFalling Blocks, Enduring Love: The Timeless Magic of TetrisWhat makes a game with no characters, no story, and no ending one of the most beloved of all time? In this episode, we dive into the deceptively simple brilliance of Tetris—a game born in 1985 Soviet Russia that took the world by storm when it was bundled with the Game Boy. Through a personal lens of family obsession and homemade code, our guest unpacks the elegant mechanics behind the falling blocks: movement, creation, destruction, and problem-solving. Discover how Tetris taps into something deeply human—and why it still holds us in its hypnotic grip decades later in this disc...
2025-05-1309 minGame Studies for EveryoneSurviving Kenshi: Hardship, Agency, and the Beauty of the UnfinishedWhat happens when a game refuses to hold your hand—or even care if you survive? In this episode, we dive into Naomi Clark’s essay “Kenshi,” a sharp and deeply personal examination of the cult-favorite open-world RPG. Clark unpacks the game’s brutal beginnings, its resistance to traditional narrative arcs, and its focus on emergent gameplay shaped by survival, community, and systems of oppression. We discuss how Kenshi’s incomplete design becomes a feature rather than a flaw, and how a devoted modding community keeps the world alive long after development has ceased. Tune in for a conversation about failur...
2025-04-0905 minGame Studies for EveryoneFly Far, Far Away: Hitman, Escapism, and Finding Joy Through PlayIn this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of memory, identity, and digital escape through the lens of Kishonna L. Gray’s personal essay “Dear God, Make Me a Bird, So I Can Fly Far Far Away from Here.” From childhood afternoons spent playing Hitman with friends to rediscovering the series as a source of solace in graduate school, Gray reflects on how this iconic game franchise became more than entertainment—it became a passport to the world and a catalyst for academic curiosity. Join us as we unpack how Hitman offered not just gameplay, but a way to cope, co...
2025-04-0804 minGame Studies for EveryoneFrom Colony to Collaboration: Rethinking a Board Game ClassicWe explore the fascinating evolution of the beloved board game Puerto Rico. Join us as we delve into its initial acclaim, the growing concerns surrounding its colonial themes, and the inspiring journey that led to its thoughtful redesign as Puerto Rico 1897. Discover how player feedback and a commitment to historical sensitivity transformed a classic into a more responsible and engaging experience. All informed by the writing of Nick Fortugno from the 2025 book, Well-Played by Play Story Press.
2025-04-0707 minGame Studies for EveryonePedal to the Pixels: Racing, Gaming, and the Pursuit of ProgressWhat do racing games and real-life ambition have in common? In this episode, we dive into Lindsay Grace’s reflections from Well Played: For the Love of Games, where he traces his lifelong connection to speed—from childhood play to real-world autocross. At the heart of this journey is Gran Turismo, a game that masterfully balances simulation and fun, capturing the thrill of precision driving while subtly shaping car culture itself.
We explore how Gran Turismo influenced not just gamers but an entire generation of auto enthusiasts, driving real-world car sales and embodying the late ‘90s optimism for te...
2025-02-2510 minGame Studies for EveryoneFrom MUDs to Mythic: A Gamer’s Journey Chasing XP, Finding MeaningWhat happens when decades of gaming lead to a realization that the grind isn’t everything? In this episode, we follow Dr. Kurt Squire’s journey through 35 years of online multiplayer games, from the early days of MUDs to the sprawling world of World of Warcraft. Alongside his wife, Squire explores the highs of goal-driven play, the dopamine-fueled rush of progression, and the eventual shift toward prioritizing real-life connections over digital achievements. Join us as we dive into the evolution of gaming habits, the social bonds forged in virtual worlds, and what happens when a lifelong gamer starts looking beyo...
2025-02-2407 minGame Studies for EveryoneXP & Romance: Leveling Up in Life, Love, and GamesDive into the personal and academic adventures of those who found meaning, community, and even love through games. XP & Romance explores how gaming shapes identity, relationships, and careers—whether it’s discovering a passion for research, forging lifelong friendships, or meeting a co-op partner for life. Inspired by Dr. Constance Steinkuehler’s Games: A Love Story chapter in Well Played - For the Love of Games, this podcast celebrates the unexpected ways video games transform lives.
https://doi.org/10.17613/55fam-32z84
2025-02-2414 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames "You" Should Know: Breaking the Game: Finding Meaning in "You"What if the point of a game wasn’t to win, but to question why we play at all? In this episode, we explore the thought-provoking and unconventional video game You, a critical gameplay experience that flips traditional gaming conventions on their head. Set in a platformer world where words shape your path, players guide the character “You” through a surreal landscape of puzzles and poetic fragments. But this isn’t your average platformer—You challenges players to seek meaning in its absurdity, pushing them to create a poem rather than pursue a victory. Is it a critique of gaming cul...
2024-11-2715 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames You Should Know: Breaking Boundaries and the Surprising Impact of Stolen KissesIn this episode, we explore the groundbreaking mobile game Stolen Kisses, designed to upend the heteronormative tropes of traditional affection games and create a more inclusive, diverse experience for players. Developed as both a game and a social experiment, Stolen Kisses offers a variety of characters for players to engage with, challenging norms and expanding representation in the genre. We dive into the fascinating data uncovered by its creator, who analyzes the unexpected global interest in the game—from players in Indonesia, Russia, and Arabic-speaking countries. Discover how this research reveals the untapped potential of affection games to bridge cu...
2024-11-0714 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames You Should Know: Emoji, Literature, and Play: The Game of MeaningWhat happens when you adapt a literary classic into a game using only emoji? In this episode, we dive into The Unbearable Lightness of Meaning, a game inspired by Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being. We explore how this innovative adaptation uses emoji as its primary storytelling tool, pushing the boundaries of what these tiny symbols can express. Can emoji truly capture the depth of human emotions and complex themes, or do they fall short? We also discuss other creative projects that experiment with non-traditional storytelling methods, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of translating literature into interactive, playable...
2024-11-0607 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames you should Know: Unplaying War: The Radical Mechanics of 'HealerIn this episode, we explore a fascinating case study from the "Critical Gameplay" series, focusing on the video game Healer and its bold reimagining of what it means to play. Healer challenges the traditional mechanics of war games by flipping the script—players aren’t there to fight; they’re there to heal. Through its innovative "unshooting" mechanic, where bullets are removed rather than fired, Healer compels players to confront the consequences of violence and reflect on the desensitizing effects of typical war reenactments in gaming. We dive into the philosophical and psychological insights behind this approach, uncovering how play c...
2024-11-0507 minGame Studies for EveryoneBreaking the Game: The Power of Critical Games in Challenging ConventionsWhat happens when games go beyond fun and entertainment to challenge societal norms and player expectations? In this episode, we dive into the growing field of "critical games," a transformative genre in the video game industry. These aren't your typical games; designed with a critical lens, they disrupt conventional gameplay to provoke thought and incite social commentary. We explore an insightful analysis that maps these games along two key axes: social critique vs. game mechanic critique, and continuous vs. discontinuous delivery of critique. This framework offers a fresh perspective on how critical games break boundaries, revealing that they are...
2024-11-0420 minGame Studies for EveryoneCode & Creativity: Unveiling the Philosophy Behind Software DesignEver wondered how the software you use shapes your creativity? In this episode, we unpack a thought-provoking study from the International Journal of the Humanities that dives into the philosophy behind software design. The author reveals how every design choice in software isn’t just functional—it’s philosophical, influencing how we create and interact. We explore a groundbreaking framework that blends critical design, postmodern philosophy, and creative process theory to analyze how software’s 'feedback loops' guide our interactions and even our thinking. But that’s not all—discover the intriguing concept of 'software misuse' and how it can expose t...
2024-11-0215 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames as Art, in Scotlands Blank Arcade 2016Step into the immersive world of digital games and interactive art with our latest episode, where we dive deep into Blank Arcade 2016, an early and pioneering exhibition that showcased games as art worthy of the gallery space. Join us as we explore the catalog's most captivating entries, guided by curators Lindsay Grace and Emilie Reed, who highlight the innovative, sensory experiences crafted by each creator. Discover how these groundbreaking games redefine play and art, pushing boundaries and inviting players to interact beyond the screen. Whether you’re a gamer, an art lover, or simply curious about the intersection of th...
2024-11-0116 minGame Studies for EveryonePlay with Purpose: Unraveling the Art of Critical Gameplay DesignIn this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of "critical gameplay design," an innovative form of game development that challenges the norms of traditional gaming. Discover how critical gameplay is more than just entertainment; it's a powerful platform for questioning societal values and sparking conversations about social and political issues. From its historical roots to the pedagogical and rhetorical impact of critical games, we unpack the transformative potential of this artistic practice. Get ready to rethink what games can be and how they shape our perceptions in this thought-provoking episode!
Source:
Dunne, Anthony, and F...
2024-10-3012 minGame Studies for EveryoneBreaking the Mold: Enculturation and Creativity With Games and Creative SoftwareAre the cultural norms of the art world stifling true creative breakthroughs? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into Lindsay Grace's exploration of enculturation and its impact on artistic production. Grace pulls back the curtain on the culture of art critique, academic consensus, and the processes that shape how creativity unfolds. She distinguishes between innovation, which refines and builds upon established ideas, and invention, the daring leap into the unknown. How does the art world’s preference for the familiar hinder radical, groundbreaking work? Tune in as we unpack Grace's argument that stepping beyond traditional methodologies is essential for in...
2024-10-2907 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames Beyond Play: Exploring the Art of Blank Arcade 2014Dive into the world where gaming meets art in our latest episode! We explore the fascinating catalog of Blank Arcade 2014, an extraordinary showcase from the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) conference. This collection highlights early examples of games as artistic and conceptual expressions, pushing boundaries far beyond traditional play. From experimental narratives and innovative mechanics to visually stunning designs, these games redefine what it means to engage with interactive experiences. Join us as we navigate through the diverse range of titles and discuss how these playful creations challenge the norm and deserve a place in the exhibition halls of...
2024-10-2819 minGame Studies for EveryoneLevel Up: Blank Arcade 2015 – Exploring the Art of GamesDive into the groundbreaking world of Blank Arcade 2015, a second event showcasing games as you’ve never seen before. In this episode, we uncover how this experimental exhibition transforms traditional game design into a powerful art form. From the physical challenge of 'Shapes,' a neurorehabilitation game that redefines physical therapy, to the digital odyssey of 'Arthur Rimbaud in Liberty City,' where the poetic world collides with the virtual streets of Grand Theft Auto IV to explore identity, these games push the boundaries of what games can be. We discuss concept-driven pieces that tackle pressing social, political, and en...
2024-10-2812 minGame Studies for EveryoneGame On: Curating Digital Art in the 21st CenturyIn this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of exhibiting interactive media in today's museums and galleries. Drawing from her extensive global experience organizing game art exhibitions, Grace breaks down the different approaches—exhibitions, festivals, and showcases—revealing the strengths and limitations of each. We dive into the complexities of displaying digital games, the importance of archiving, and the evolving roles of curators and judges in this exciting field. Whether you’re a game enthusiast, an art aficionado, or just curious about the future of digital media in art, this episode is your backstage pass to the thrilling inters...
2024-10-2820 minGame Studies for EveryoneThe Rise of eSports: Mental Agility and the Shift in Modern ValuesIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of eSports, exploring how its rapid rise mirrors evolving social values in the digital age. We’ll discuss how eSports, much like traditional sports, showcase exceptional skills—but with a twist. Instead of physical dominance, eSports champions mental agility, strategic thinking, and problem-solving prowess.
Our conversation will focus on how this shift reflects a broader cultural change, where society increasingly prizes cognitive skills over physical strength. From the complexities of digital environments to the role of mental sharpness in mate selection, we’ll unpack how eSports may symbolize a new...
2024-10-2215 minGame Studies for EveryoneGames, Addiction, and Violence: Unpacking the Moral PanicsIn this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate surrounding video games and their impact on society. From accusations of fostering addiction to claims of inciting violence, games have long been a target of moral panics. But how much of this is rooted in fact, and how much in fear? Join us as we explore the history of moral panics, the science behind gaming and behavior, and the cultural shifts that shape our understanding of games today. Are games truly as dangerous as some claim, or is the conversation missing something bigger? Tune in for a short, thoughtful discussion...
2024-10-2111 minGame Studies for EveryoneCan Games Keep Up with the News? Inside the Newsjam ExperimentIn this episode of Game Studies for Everyone, we explore the exciting potential of newsgames as a tool for delivering timely news in a fast-paced media world. Based on a Newsjam—a 36-hour event where participants collaborated to create newsgames based on current events. Can games be created quickly and effectively by non-experts? We’ll discuss the findings, including how teams with game development experience produced the most impactful games and what this means for the future of news delivery.
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3196697.3196702
2024-10-1807 minGame Studies for EveryoneNewsgames: The Future of News Delivery or Too Much for Newsrooms?In this episode of Game Studies for Everyone, we explore the fascinating world of newsgames and how they’re reshaping the way we consume news. Using a case study from a major national newspaper, we dive into the challenges of creating newsgames—from the fast pace of news to the evolving game literacy of audiences. We’ll also discuss the exciting opportunities ahead, including the rise of mobile gaming and low-cost development tools, which are making newsgames a timely and accessible medium for serious journalism.
Grace, L., Treanor, M., Totten, C. and McCoy, J. 2016. A Case Study in New...
2024-10-1713 minGame Studies for EveryoneThe Rise of Newsgames: Exploring the State of Interactive Games & JournalismWe dive into the "State of Newsgames 2020" report, which analyzes 50 newsgames from 2015 to 2020. Discover how interactive news experiences use familiar game mechanics to tackle real-world topics in short, shareable formats. We'll explore the editorial nature of newsgames, their aesthetic qualities, and how they’re shaping the future of news storytelling. Whether you're a journalist, game designer, or just curious, this episode uncovers the current trends in newsgame development.
Based on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcFvoAOBWDM
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342664738_A_snapshot_analysis_of_interactives_toys_and_games_in_journalism_and_al...
2024-10-1410 minGame Studies for Everyone5-Minute Games You Should Know: Playable Polls – A New Era of Opinion Gathering Through GamesWhat if gathering public opinion could be fun and interactive? In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Lindsay Grace, who explores the use of games as polling systems. Grace introduces the concept of playable polls—interactive games designed to collect player opinions and sentiment in a more engaging and effective way than traditional methods. Through the design and testing of three prototype games focused on identifying fake news, Grace reveals how these playable polls can gather meaningful data while keeping players entertained.
We'll take you behind the scenes of the third prototype, tested at an...
2024-10-1306 minGame Studies for EveryoneMicrogames vs. Health Misinformation: A Game-Changing ApproachIn this episode, we dive into an innovative research project that explores how microgames can combat health misinformation in vulnerable communities. The researchers behind the study developed three unique microgame prototypes—a trivia game, a social media simulation, and an interactive fiction narrative—each designed to engage and educate players. Through real-world testing with healthcare providers, community educators, and the target audience, the interactive fiction narrative emerged as the most engaging and impactful, showcasing the power of storytelling in promoting behavior change.
Join us as we uncover the potential of microgames as cost-effective and powerful tools for tack...
2024-10-1214 minGame Studies for EveryonePart 2 of Fake News: Combatting Misinformation & Disinformation Through Video Gamesn this second installment of our series, we continue to delve into the world of misinformation and disinformation games, but this time, we’re focusing on the powerful emotional and psychological effects these games can elicit. Using Excitation Transfer Theory and Transportation Theory, we’ll explore how emotions, empathy, and narrative immersion play a critical role in shaping player behavior. Discover how carefully crafted emotional responses and immersive storytelling are used to heighten awareness and resilience to fake news in games like Fake It to Make It and FakeYou!.
We’ll also discuss the role of empathy—how alig...
2024-10-1114 minGame Studies for EveryonePart 1 of Fake News: Combatting Misinformation & Disinformation Through Video GamesIn this exciting debut of our series on misinformation and disinformation, we dive into the world of disinformation games—engaging, thought-provoking interventions designed to combat the spread of fake news. We'll explore how these games are harnessing the power of play to change the way we interact with media, focusing on two major communication theories: Inoculation Theory and Transportation Theory. These theories provide insight into how narratives and strategic exposure can protect and shift player behavior. Featuring the wildly popular games like Harmony Square and Bad News, this episode breaks down how disinformation spreads, why we fall for it, an...
2024-10-1107 minGame Studies for EveryoneBreaking the Rules: How Critical Indie Games Challenge the Status QuoIn this episode of Game Studies for Everyone, we explore the critical design movement in indie games, led by visionary artists like Nicky Case, Lindsay Grace, and Zach Gage. These games push the boundaries of traditional game design, using gameplay to critique social conventions and question player assumptions. We’ll break down the key traits of critical games—social vs. mechanical critique, delivery styles, and the role of humor—while highlighting examples that challenge the way we think about games.
Source Grace, Lindsay. "Critical games: Critical design in independent games." Proceedings of DIGRA. 2014.
2024-10-091h 09Game Studies for EveryoneIndie Games as Poetry: A New Way to See PlayIn this episode of Game Studies for Everyone, we explore a fascinating perspective from the 2011 Digital Games Research Association Conference, : Are indie games the poetry of the gaming world? We'll dive into how independent games use poetic elements like meter, metaphor, and personification to create unique player experiences. Discover how comparing game design to literary forms like sonnets and haikus opens up a whole new way of understanding and classifying games, beyond just genres or themes.
Based on:
Grace, Lindsay D. "The Poetics of game design, rhetoric and the independent game." Proceedings of D...
2024-10-0806 minGame Studies for EveryoneGaming Against Fake News: 5 Minute Games You Should KnowIn this episode, we explore how the game Factitious helps players sharpen their news literacy skills. Discover how over 500,000 players identified fake news, and the surprising patterns revealed about age, education, and performance in fighting misinformation through playful learning. Based on https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3290607.3299046
2024-10-0704 minGame Studies for EveryoneLeading Social Change Through GamesIn this episode, we explore how games can lead social change by encouraging problem-solving, shifting perspectives, and inspiring action. Learn how playful strategies help tackle complex societal issues across education, policy, health, and more. Grace, L. 2024, The Patterns of Games for Leading Social Change. Journal of Leadership Studies. https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21880
2024-10-0711 minGame Studies for EveryonePersuasive Play: Changing Society Through GamesIn this episode, we explore how persuasive games can influence societal change. Learn how games designed with macro, micro, and meta-persuasive strategies challenge norms and offer new ways to impact politics, culture, and more. From Grace, L.D. 2021, Micro, Macro and Meta-Persuasive Play to Change Society, in Persuasive Gaming in Context. Amsterdam University Press, 2021.
2024-10-0709 minGame Studies for EveryonePlaying the System: Immigration, Games, and Investigative JournalismIn this episode of GS-E, we explore how interactive narratives and newsgames explain the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Discover how a game, based on the Panama and Paradise Papers, uses persuasive play to unpack systemic biases in immigration policies between 2017–2021, reaching over 45,000 players with its engaging, investigative approach. Based on the paper https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1007/978-3-031-47658-7_4
2024-10-0713 minGame Studies for EveryonePlaying as Rebellion: Games Channel Civil Disobedience and Work within PoliticsIn this episode of GS-E, we dive into a fascinating intersection of play and protest. What does it mean to play as an act of rebellion? We’ll explore how parkour, skateboarding, and skywalking defy authority and embrace civil disobedience, both in the real world and in video games. Using examples from popular parkour and skateboarding games, we break down how risky-play challenges societal norms and authority figures. Based on a paper by Professor Lindsay Grace.
2024-10-0711 min