Routledge Critical Studies in Video Games and Culture

This series explores the intricate interplay between video gaming and the critical examination of cultural phenomena. Focusing on video games, gaming, and gaming cultures, it disseminates scholarly monographs and edited volumes that explore the contextual intricacies of video gaming within diverse socio-cultural, geographic, and historical contexts. Encompassing analyses of individual games, gaming communities, and franchises across multiple platforms such as PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, the series transcends mere scrutiny of in-game content. Besides a player focus, it also considers the involvement of entities such as religious institutions, game companies, governmental groups, and other interconnected agents that contribute to the cultural and societal impact of gaming. Adopting a critical cultural approach, that analyzes power dynamics, social inequalities, and cultural hegemony, the series investigates the relationship between gaming and socially constructed, contextual, and dynamic values. By embracing a wide array of approaches, theories, and methodologies, the series aims to elucidate how video games and gaming practices shape communication and society within our increasingly gamified world.