An Introduction to Critical Game Studies - Questions

As a first exercise into critical game studies we have been asked various questions about our tastes in art and culture.

What is the title of the book (fiction) you are currently reading (or the last fiction book you read)?

The last fictional book I remember reading was Spiderman The Movie; This was a good few years ago when the movie was released. The reason I bought the book was because I really enjoyed watching the movie, so being able to experience the movie again through a different medium seemed like a great idea. While the book tries to capture the feeling of the movie, unfortunately it cuts so much out that you are forced to reinforce the book with things you have experienced from watching the movie its-self. It's interesting to see that when something is made from something else, it is almost always going to be a cut down version of the original. Normally you hear about books being far more in-depth than their movie counterparts, so for a book to be less than its movie counterpart just goes to show that many producers really just want to milk a franchise for all it can.
I tend not to read fictional books as I feel I get a better and more immersive experience from playing a video game or watching a movie. It's not like I don't want to read a good fictional book, I just don't want to spend the time needed to go through one when I could be playing a game with a good storyline in it (like Metal Gear Solid or Alan Wake).


What is the title/topic of the book (non-fiction) you are currently reading (or the last non-fiction book you read)?

The last book I read was "The Computer Games Design Course"

I really enjoyed reading this book and actually found myself reading it from cover to cover. The book covers games design in a very broad way as it tries to give you a basic understanding of all aspects of games and their production. The book starts from the very beginning of games history going into some detail about ancient egyptian games and alike. It then moves further up in history from the old retro games to the more modern games played today. After telling you about various game types and genres it goes on to tell you how modern games are actually made and the production pipeline used today. It gives plenty of references and material to start learning how to make your own games, even showing you software professional developers use and how they use them. While the book isn't a one stop shop to games design, it is a fantastic introdution into the world of games design. It's written very simply and clearly with plenty of images and illustrations to really show you what it is the writer is trying to explain.
I would definately recommend this book to anyone getting into games design.


What is the last live performance (music, drama or dance) you attended?

The last live performance I went to was to a Foo Fighters gig in Manchester. It was really just an excuse to get out when a group of friends were booking tickets and asked if I would like to go too. I had no idea who the Foo Fighters were at the time, and to be honest I've not actually listened to any of their music since then, but while I was there it was great.

What is the title of the last film you saw at the cinema, online or watched on DVD?

The last movie I watched was Yes Man on DVD. I had watched this movie at the cinema so I knew it was really good. The basic story is about a man who goes to a "yes" convention and makes a covenant to always say "yes" to everything. If he breaks the covenant and says "no" to something then bad things will happen to him. Its a great comedy, but it plays on modern culture where people generally live in their own boxed in world and basically just say "no" to everything. After watching the film it really makes you want to go out and just say yes to everything that comes your way, but that doesn't last long.

How often do you read a newspaper? (which one?)

The only time I ever read a newspaper is when A, I have nothing better to do and B, there is a newspaper within 2 feet of wherever I'm sitting. I think that most of the things in a newspaper is just rubbish written to fill out a bit of paper space and waste ink. Although when it comes to something like the financial times or more factual writing - I'm sure there are plenty of people who find it very interesting.... I'm just not one of them.

Which art gallery, museum or exhibition did you last visit?

The last exhibition I visited was i32. It was primarily a large video games tournament, but there were exhibitors on the bottom floor showing off their latest things. I absolutely love video games exhibitions; If I could afford it I would go to every single one around the world. Unfortunately I tend to only find out about an exhibition when the tickets have sold out so I end up not being able to go even if I wanted to. I think pushing myself more into the industry of games and not just playing them will definaltey help to keep me in-the-know.

How many hours a week do you spend playing video games?

Most weeks would be 20+ hours. Naturally that would change dependant on more important things like family or coursework.

How many hours a week do you spend playing games other than video games?

Most weeks would be 0+ hours. That isn't by choice though, I would love to play more board games with people I just don't know anyone who enjoys playing them as much as I do.