The end of gaming is upon us! Reactionary game fandoms are filled with doomsayers who claim that gaming faces annihilation from certain annihilation from woke culture, casualization, and queer protagonists. In this talk, media scholar and self-described ludoarsonist PS Berge (they/she) will discuss the importance of burning games and why the end of gaming might be something to celebrate. In the first part of this talk, she will analyze self-immolating games that burn away paper, plastic, characters, stories, and the table to show how play can be found in ending the (game)world. Yet to burn a game also carries another definition; in the second part of this talk, PS will discuss the (often legally dubious) duplication and modification of the game via lasers, toner, software, and hardware. Emulators, ROM hacks, .iso files, cracked copies, xeroxes, mods, and fangames all extend the ludoarsonist’s toolkit. Through burning, we can end gaming—and save play. By playing with fire, we can become doombringers that (un)make worlds and games alike. 🔥🎲
PS Berge (they/she) is a media scholar, game designer, and the director of the Discord Academic Research Community. Their research falls at the intersection trans game studies (especially tabletop roleplaying games and gaming fandoms) and feminist platform studies (specifically toxic technoculture and cross-platform dynamics). Her published research can be found in or is forthcoming at Game Studies, New Media & Society, JCMS, and Games & Culture and their games can be found at gravesnail.itch.io. Website: psberge.com
Zoom Registration:
https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hOE0IKSGRcOtErrEJmW5zQ