Description
Since the release of Dungeons & Dragons in 1974, role-playing games have spawned a vibrant industry and subculture whose origins, characteristics, cultures and player experiences have been well explored. Yet there has been little attention devoted to the meaningful ways RPGs have shaped society at large over the last four decades. RPGs were influential on video game design and have been widely represented in film, television and other media. They have made their mark on other areas of society, as well, including education, social media, corporate training and the military.
This collection of new essays illustrates the broad appeal and impact of role-playing games. Topics range from a critical reexamination of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, to the growing significance of RPGs in education, to the potential for ""serious"" RPGs to provoke awareness and social change. The contributors discuss the myriad subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways in which the values, concepts and mechanics of RPGs have infiltrated popular culture.
About the Author
Andrew Byers is a visiting assistant professor of history at Duke University, USA. His research interests include popular culture, biopolitics, and the history of geek culture. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Francesco Crocco is an associate professor of English at the borough of Manhattan Community College, USA. He lives in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786498833
Author Andrew Byers
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
This collection of new essays illustrates the broad appeal and impact of role-playing games. Topics range from a critical reexamination of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, to the growing significance of RPGs in education, to the potential for ""serious"" RPGs to provoke awareness and social change. The contributors discuss the myriad subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways in which the values, concepts and mechanics of RPGs have infiltrated popular culture.
About the Author
Andrew Byers is a visiting assistant professor of history at Duke University, USA. His research interests include popular culture, biopolitics, and the history of geek culture. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Francesco Crocco is an associate professor of English at the borough of Manhattan Community College, USA. He lives in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786498833
Author Andrew Byers
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
