Download or read book Dragon s Lair and the Fantasy of Interactivity written by MJ Clarke and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-06-06 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Perhaps no arcade game is so nostalgically remembered, yet so critically bemoaned, as Dragon’s Lair. A bit of a technological neanderthal, the game implemented a unique combination of videogame components and home video replay, garnering great popular media and user attention in a moment of contracted economic returns and popularity for the videogame arcade business. But subsequently, writers and critics have cast the game aside as a cautionary tale of bad game design. In Dragon’s Lair and the Fantasy of Interactivity, MJ Clarke revives Dragon’s Lair as a fascinating textual experiment interlaced with powerful industrial strategies, institutional discourse, and textual desires around key notions of interactivity and fantasy. Constructing a multifaceted historical study of the game that considers its design, its makers, its recording medium, and its in-game imagery, Clarke suggests that the more appropriate metaphor for Dragon’s Lair is not that of a neanderthal, but a socio-technical network, infusing and advancing debates about the production and consumption of new screen technologies. Far from being the gaming failure posited by evolutionary-minded lay critics, Clarke argues, Dragon’s Lair offers a fascinating provisional solution to still-unsettled questions about screen media.
Download or read book The Intersection of Animation Video Games and Music written by Lisa Scoggin and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-04-21 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In both video games and animated films, worlds are constructed through a combination of animation, which defines what players see on the screen, and music and sound, which provide essential cues to action, emotion, and narrative. This book offers a rich exploration of the intersections between animation, video games, and music and sound, bringing together a range of multidisciplinary lenses. In fourteen chapters, the contributors consider similarities and differences in how music and sound structure video games and animation, as well as the animation within video games, and explore core topics of nostalgia, adaptation, gender and sexuality. Offering fresh insights into the aesthetic interplay of animation, video games, and sound, this volume provides a gateway into new areas of study that will be of interest to scholars and students across musicology, animation studies, game studies, and media studies more broadly.
Download or read book Fifty Key Video Games written by Bernard Perron and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2022-07-26 with total page 351 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume examines fifty of the most important video games that have contributed significantly to the history, development, or culture of the medium, providing an overview of video games from their beginning to the present day. This volume covers a variety of historical periods and platforms, genres, commercial impact, artistic choices, contexts of play, typical and atypical representations, uses of games for specific purposes, uses of materials or techniques, specific subcultures, repurposing, transgressive aesthetics, interfaces, moral or ethical impact, and more. Key video games featured include Animal Crossing, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, The Legend of Zelda, Minecraft, PONG, Super Mario Bros., Tetris, and World of Warcraft. Each game is closely analyzed in order to properly contextualize it, to emphasize its prominent features, to show how it creates a unique experience of gameplay, and to outline the ways it might speak about society and culture. The book also acts as a highly accessible showcase to a range of disciplinary perspectives that are found and practiced in the field of game studies. With each entry supplemented by references and suggestions for further reading, Fifty Key Video Games is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in video games.
Download or read book Interactive Storytelling for Video Games written by Josiah Lebowitz and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2012-09-10 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What really makes a video game story interactive? What's the best way to create an interactive story? How much control should players be given? Do they really want that control in the first place? Do they even know what they want-or are their stated desires at odds with the unconscious preferences? All of these questions and more are examined in this definitive book on interactive storytelling for video games. You'll get detailed descriptions of all major types of interactive stories, case studies of popular games (including Bioshock, Fallout 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Heavy Rain, and Metal Gear Solid), and how players interact with them, and an in-depth analysis of the results of a national survey on player storytelling preferences in games. You'll get the expert advice you need to generate compelling and original game concepts and narratives.With Interactive Storytelling for Video Games, you'll:
Download or read book The Evolution of Fantasy Role Playing Games written by Michael J. Tresca and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2014-01-10 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tracing the evolution of fantasy gaming from its origins in tabletop war and collectible card games to contemporary web-based live action and massive multi-player games, this book examines the archetypes and concepts within the fantasy gaming genre alongside the roles and functions of the game players themselves. Other topics include: how The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings helped shape fantasy gaming through Tolkien's obsessive attention to detail and virtual world building; the community-based fellowship embraced by players of both play-by-post and persistent browser-based games, despite the fact that these games are fundamentally solo experiences; the origins of gamebooks and interactive fiction; and the evolution of online gaming in terms of technological capabilities, media richness, narrative structure, coding authority, and participant roles.
Download or read book Handbook on Interactive Storytelling written by Jouni Smed and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-06-28 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: HANDBOOK ON INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING Discover the latest research on crafting compelling narratives in interactive entertainment Electronic games are no longer considered “mere fluff” alongside the “real” forms of entertainment, like film, music, and television. Instead, many games have evolved into an art form in their own right, including carefully constructed stories and engaging narratives enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In Handbook on Interactive Storytelling, readers will find a comprehensive discussion of the latest research covering the creation of interactive narratives that allow users to experience a dramatically compelling story that responds directly to their actions and choices. Systematically organized, with extensive bibliographies and academic exercises included in each chapter, the book offers readers new perspectives on existing research and fresh avenues ripe for further study. In-depth case studies explore the challenges involved in crafting a narrative that comprises one of the main features of the gaming experience, regardless of the technical aspects of a game’s production. Readers will also enjoy: A thorough introduction to interactive storytelling, including discussions of narrative, plot, story, interaction, and a history of the phenomenon, from improvisational theory to role-playing games A rigorous discussion of the background of storytelling, from Aristotle’s Poetics to Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey Compelling explorations of different perspectives in the interactive storytelling space, including different platforms, designers, and interactors, as well as an explanation of storyworlds Perfect for game designers, developers, game and narrative researchers, academics, undergraduate and graduate students studying storytelling, game design, gamification, and multimedia systems, Handbook on Interactive Storytelling is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the deployment of compelling narratives in an interactive context.
Download or read book Virtual Character Design for Games and Interactive Media written by Robin James Stuart Sloan and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-05-07 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While the earliest character representations in video games were rudimentary in terms of their presentation and performance, the virtual characters that appear in games today can be extremely complex and lifelike. These are characters that have the potential to make a powerful and emotional connection with gamers. As virtual characters become more intricate and varied, there is a growing need to examine the theory and practice of virtual character design. This book seeks to develop a series of critical frameworks to support the analysis and design of virtual characters. Virtual Character Design for Games and Interactive Media covers a breadth of topics to establish a relationship between pertinent artistic and scientific theories and good character design practice. Targeted at students, researchers, and professionals, the book aims to show how both character presentation and character performance can be enhanced through careful consideration of underlying theory. The book begins with a focus on virtual character presentation, underpinned by a discussion of biological, artistic, and sociological principles. Next it looks at the performance of virtual characters, encompassing the psychology of emotion and personality, narrative and game design theories, animation, and acting. The book concludes with a series of applied virtual character design examples. These examples examine the aesthetics of player characters, the design and performance of the wider cast of game characters, and the performance of characters within complex, hyperreal worlds.
Download or read book Writing Interactive Music for Video Games written by Michael Sweet and published by Addison-Wesley Professional. This book was released on 2014-09-19 with total page 513 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “This book is a must read for newcomers and experienced composers wanting to learn more about the art of video game composition.” —Chuck Doud, Director of Music, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios All You Need to Know to Create Great Video Game Music Written by the developer of Berklee School of Music’s pioneering game scoring program, this guide covers everything professional composers and music students need to know about composing interactive music for video games, and contains exclusive tools for interactive scoring—tools that were previously available only at Berklee. Drawing on twenty years of professional experience in the game industry, Michael Sweet helps you master the unique language of music storytelling in games. Next, he walks you through the entire music composition process, from initial conceptualization and creative direction through implementation. Inside, you’ll find dozens of examples that illustrate adaptive compositional techniques, from small downloadable games to multimillion dollar console titles. In addition, this guide covers the business side of video game composition, sharing crucial advice about contracts, pricing, sales, and marketing. Coverage includes Overcoming the unique challenges of writing for games Composing music that can adapt in real time to player actions Developing thematic ideas Using audio middleware to create advanced interactive scores Working effectively with game development teams Understanding the life of a video game composer Managing contracts, rights, estimating, and negotiation Finding work The companion website contains software tools to help you master interactive music concepts explored in this book, with additional resources and links to learn more about scoring for games. See Appendix A for details.
Download or read book Game Design Theory written by Keith Burgun and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2012-08-13 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Despite the proliferation of video games in the twenty-first century, the theory of game design is largely underdeveloped, leaving designers on their own to understand what games really are. Helping you produce better games, Game Design Theory: A New Philosophy for Understanding Games presents a bold new path for analyzing and designing games.
Download or read book Alternate Reality Games and the Cusp of Digital Gameplay written by Antero Garcia and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2017-04-20 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) challenge what players understand as “real.” Alternate Reality Games and the Cusp of Digital Gameplay is the first collection to explore and define the possibilities of ARGs. Though prominent examples have existed for more than two decades, only recently have ARGs come to the prominence as a unique and highly visible digital game genre. Adopting many of the same strategies as online video games, ARGs blur the distinction between real and fictional. With ARGs continuing to be an important and blurred space between digital and physical gameplay, this volume offers clear analysis of game design, implementation, and ramifications for game studies. Divided into three distinct sections, the contributions include first hand accounts by leading ARG creators, scholarly analysis of the meaning behind ARGs, and explorations of how ARGs are extending digital tools for analysis. By balancing the voices of designers, players, and researchers, this collection highlights how the Alternate Reality Game genre is transforming the ways we play and interact today.
Download or read book 100 Greatest Video Game Franchises written by Robert Mejia and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2017-08-17 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Video games take players on a trip through ancient battlefields, to mythic worlds, and across galaxies. They provide players with a way to try on new identities and acquire vast superpowers. Video games also give people the chance to hit reset – to play again and again until they achieve a desired outcome. Their popularity has enabled them to grow far beyond their humble origins and to permeate other forms of popular culture, from comic books and graphic novels to films and television programs. Video games are universal. In 100 Greatest Video Game Franchises, editors Robert Mejia, Jaime Banks, and Aubrie Adams have assembled essays that identify, assess, and reveal the most important video games of all-time. Each entry makes a case for the game’s cultural significance and why it deserves to be on the list, from its influence on other games to its impact on an international scale. In addition to providing information about the game developer and when the franchise was established, these entries explore the connections between the different video games, examining them across genre, theme, and content. This accessible collection of essays gives readers an opportunity to gauge their favorite video game franchises against the best of all time and argue how they each fit among the 100 greatest ever created. Whether casually looking up information on these games or eager to learn how franchises evolved over the years, readers will enjoy this entertaining and informative volume. Comprehensive and engaging, 100 Greatest Video Game Franchises will appeal to fans and scholars alike.
Download or read book Video Game Bible 1985 2002 written by Andy Slaven and published by Trafford Publishing. This book was released on 2002 with total page 774 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With nearly three years of research utilized to compile game lists and thousands of hours used to play and review the games listed within, Video Game Bible is the most comprehensive source of information on video games released in the U.S. since 1985 ever created. Prices are based on realistic figures compiled by interviewing hundreds of large collectors and game store owners, and offer a realistic guideline to be followed by both collectors and video gamers looking to complete their collections. While numerous guides have been compiled on the subject of classic video games, this book offers coverage of video game consoles releases after 1985, known as the "neo-classics". With 39 systems in total, Video Game Bible offers the largest guide to date. With the recent proliferation of video game collecting into the mainstream, it is necessary to have a standard by which games are valued. This is the first installment in a series of guides intended to offer full coverage of every video game ever made worldwide. Video game consoles are grouped together by the company that made them for easy reference. In addition to the table of contents, which lists each section separately, there are corner tabs to make browsing the guide even more convenient. Thousands of new facts are offered within the pages of this book, as are thousands of reviews and overviews. Written in a lighthearted manner, chapters of this guide that may not pertain to a particular collector will still be enjoyable for intelligent readers. An easy to use reference guide suitable for any age, this guide is sure to be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in video game collecting, video game history, and even for the casual video game fan interested in learning more about the hobby. Editor-In Chief: Andy Slaven Staff Writers: Micheal Collins, Lucus Barnes, Vincent Yang Contributing Writers: Charlie Reneke, Joe Kudrna
Download or read book Yoshitaka Amano The Illustrated Biography Beyond the Fantasy Limited Edition written by Florent Gorges and published by Dark Horse Comics. This book was released on 2018-12-11 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The ultimate tribute to fantasy and science fiction artist Yoshitaka Amano! This limited edition slipcase contains: The 328-page Yoshitaka Amano: The Illustrated Biography--Beyond the Fantasy. This handsome, landscape-style hardback contains nearly 400 illustrations and photos from the incredible career of Final Fantasy designer Yoshitaka Amano. An elegant 96-page landscape-style softcover with French flaps: Yoshitaka Amano--Paris Sketchbook, following the artist through the city in a photo essay, and collecting the sketches he made along the way. A region-free Blu-ray (subtitled in English) with almost three hours of material: extensive discussions with Amano in his home, studio, and archives, as well as a "live draw" showing Amano's exact technique from blank sheet to finished Vampire Hunter D painting! Two mini-lithographs made by Amano exclusively for the Limited Edition. An individually signed and numbered card from Amano!
Download or read book Gamish written by Edward Ross and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2020-11-05 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Shortlisted for the British Book Design and Production Award for Graphic Novels* 'A love letter to gaming in all its forms - from board games, to role-play, to virtual reality and video games. For fans of gaming, this is the perfect read. For those new to gaming, it is the perfect introduction' The Scotsman A thrilling illustrated journey through the history of video games and what they really mean to us Pac-Man. Mario. Minecraft. Doom. Ever since he first booted up his brother's dusty old Atari, comic artist Edward Ross has been hooked on video games. Years later, he began to wonder: what makes games so special? Why do we play? And how do games shape the world we live in? This lovingly illustrated book takes us through the history of video games, from the pioneering prototypes of the 1950s to the modern era of blockbuster hits and ingenious indie gems. Exploring the people and politics behind one of the world's most exciting art-forms, Gamish is a love letter to something that has always been more than just a game.
Download or read book Videogames written by James A. Newman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "James Newman's lucid and engaging introduction guides the reader through the world of videogaming, providing a history of the videogame from its origins in the computer lab to its contemporary status as a global entertainment industry, with characters such as Lara Croft and Sonic the Hedgehog familiar even to those who've never been near a games console. Topics covered include: classifications, game theory and interactivity - what is a videogame? the videogame audience the videogame industry videogame structure narratives and play- approaches to the study of videogames videogames, avatars and virtual worlds social gaming and the culture of videogames This second edition updates the book to include recent developments such as: the popularity of the wii and the increase in non-traditional gamers and more physical gaming the development of MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games) such as World of Warcraft games being downloaded as apps or accessed via mobile phones, iPods and social networking sites"--
Download or read book Toward the Design of a Computer based Interactive Fantasy System written by Brenda Laurel and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Interactivity in E Learning Case Studies and Frameworks written by Wang, Haomin and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2011-12-31 with total page 409 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book provides a comprehensive examination of interactivity, combining key perspectives from communication and media studies, distributed cognition, system affordances, user control, and social interaction, intended for researchers working in the fields of communication and media, educational media, e-learning, and instructional technology"--Provided by publisher.
