[Air-L] CFP: Bulletin of Science, Technology, & Society – Special Issue on Video Games

[Jenn Martin]

The *Bulletin of Science, Technology, & Society* invites submissions for a
special issue dealing with video games.



As video and computer games have increased in accessibility, influence, and
cultural prominence, they have had a significant impact on many facets of
society, culture, and our attitudes toward technology, including
entertainment, industry, play, education, identity, community, and art.  At
the same time they have provoked both popular and academic debate and
controversy over their perceived benefits and issues.  In addressing these
claims and concerns, video games have become an important focus of academic
work as scholars seek to better understand their impact on the people who
play them and on culture and society in general.



We invite submissions to a special issue of the *Bulletin of Science,
Technology, & Society* that further this body of work by critically
engaging with video games and their implications.  Video games are an ideal
subject for interdisciplinary research and discussion, as they can be
analysed using a variety of theoretical lenses and methodological
approaches including those of social science, anthropology, technology
history and technology studies, media, political economy, and the hard
sciences. Therefore, this issue is open to critical perspectives on video
games in culture and society from any discipline.  Topics of interest
include, but are not limited, to:



-       the history and progression of video games

-       video game industries (software and/or hardware)

-       political economy and economics

-       theories of play

-       issues and benefits of video games

-       players, audiences, and reception

-       gaming cultures and communities

-       avatars, digital bodies, and identity

-       representations of age, race, and gender

-       video games in education

-       serious gaming



Interested scholars should submit an abstract of up to 500 words for
consideration.  Submissions should be emailed to Jennifer Martin at
jmart9 at uwo.ca by January 15, 2012.  We aim to make decisions regarding
abstract acceptance by January 22, 2012.  Full papers will be due by March
1, 2012 for peer review.



Correspondence may be directed by email to jmart9 at uwo.ca or by fax at
519-661-3506.  Additionally, phone messages may also be left with Tim
Blackmore at 519-661-2111 ext. 88513.