[DiGRA UK] Invitation to Attend- The Practices and Politics of Inclusivity in Games

[Harvey, Alison (Dr.)]

Invitation to Attend- The Practices and Politics of Inclusivity in Games
A co-sponsored workshop of the MeCCSa Women’s Media Studies Network<http://www.meccsa.org.uk/networks/womens-media-studies-network/> and the ReFIG partnership<http://www.refig.ca/>. Hosted by the Department of Media and Communication, University of Leicester, as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Academic and market research over the last decade has shown that audiences of women and girls for digital games has increased in tandem with the expansion of this major global media industry. Despite their presence and contributions, as not only players but also designers, writers, community managers, critics, and journalists, women’s participation in digital games culture has been characterized by often polemical and sexist discourse and action from those who deem their practices less legitimate, authentic, and worthy. In response, an array of inclusivity practices within digital games culture, often spearheaded by women, trans people, disabled people, and people of colour, have demonstrated that taking part in digital games is both playful and political. Through these practices, they have transformed the culture of this media form.

This workshop will highlight these diverse practices and their politics with a focus on showcasing research innovating on theory and methods, from a range of perspectives including play, production, journalism, criticism and beyond. It will feature three speakers undertaking research and activism in this domain:

Helen Kennedy (University of Brighton)- “From Ludoaesthetics to Feminist Pragmatics: Inclusive Practices for Creative Production”

Phoenix Perry (Goldsmiths, University of London)- “An Ecological Approach to Video Games Education and Practice”

Siobhan Thomas (London South Bank University)- title forthcoming

The event will also include a panel of selected talks by graduate students conducting cutting-edge research in this area:

Emilie Reed (Abertay University)- “Where are My Game Masters?: Canonicity and Videogame Exhibitions”

Joshua D. Savage (Maynooth University Ireland) “Crafting Diversity in the Irish Games Industry”

Katrina Stovold (University College Cork) “How Inclusive Production Environments Lead to Diversity On-screen”

This event will be held at the University of Leicester, Bankfield House Seminar Room, on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 12pm- 5:00pm, followed by off-site drinks and dinner. Lunch and refreshments will be served, and the event is free though registration is required as space is limited. Please register by emailing Dr Alison Harvey atah463 at le.ac.uk<mailto:ah463 at le.ac.uk>.
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