Understanding Video Games : The Essential Introduction

Tosca, Susana Pajares, Smith, Jonas Heide, Egenfeldt-Nielsen, Simon

ISBN 10: 0415977215 / ISBN 13: 9780415977210

Published by Taylor & Francis Group, 2008

About this Item

Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.

Seller Inventory # GRP89915076

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding Video Games : The Essential Introduction
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415977215
• ISBN 13: 9780415977210
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 1.453 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

From Pong to PlayStation 3 and beyond, Understanding Video Games is the first general introduction to the exciting new field of video game studies. This textbook traces the history of video games, introduces the major theories used to analyze games such as ludology and narratology, reviews the economics of the game industry, examines the aesthetics of game design, surveys the broad range of game genres, explores player culture, and addresses the major debates surrounding the medium, from educational benefits to the effects of violence.

Throughout the book, the authors ask readers to consider larger questions about the medium:

• what defines a video game?
• who plays games?
• why do we play games?
• how do games affect the player?

Extensively illustrated, Understanding Video Games is an indispensable and comprehensive resource for those interested in the ways video games are reshaping entertainment and society. A Companion Website (www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415977210) features student resources including discussion questions for each chapter, a glossary of key terms, a video game timeline, and links to other video game studies resources for further study.

About the Author

Simon Egenfeldt-Nielsen, Jonas Heide Smith, and SusanaPajares Tosca are members of the Center for Computer Games Research at IT University of Copenhagen.