Understanding Video Games: The Essential Introduction 2nd Edition

by Simon Egenfeldt-Nielsen (Author), Jonas Heide Smith (Author), Susana Pajares Tosca (Author)

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ISBN-13: 978-0415896979

ISBN-10: 0415896975

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Understanding Video Games: The Essential Introduction
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This expanded and revised second edition of Understanding Video Games provides a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of game studies.

Understanding Video Games, 2^ndEdition is an essential read for newcomers to video game studies and experienced game scholars alike. This follow-up to the pioneering first edition takes video game studies into the next decade of the twenty-first century, highlighting changes in the game business, advances in video game scholarship, and recent trends in game design and development―including mobile, social, and casual gaming.

In Understanding Video Games, 2^ndEdition students will:

Assess the major theories used to analyze games, such as ludology and narratology

Gain familiarity with the commercial and organizational aspects of the game industry

Trace the history of video games from Pong to Playstation 3 and beyond

Explore the aesthetics of game design

Evaluate the cultural position of video games

Consider the potential effects of both violent and "serious" games.

Extensively illustrated, and featuring discussion questions, a glossary of key terms, and a detailed video game history timeline (including an interactive online version), Understanding Video Games, 2^ndEdition is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in examining the ways video games are reshaping entertainment and society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This new edition of Understanding Video Games levels up alongside the chaotic, exciting worlds of the contemporary video game industry and game studies. It continues to be required reading for anyone interested in a thorough grounding in the history, form, culture and business of video games." ―Mia Consalvo, Canada Research Chair in Game Studies & Design, Concordia University

"From Angry Birds to Zork, Understanding Video Games is an adept introduction to the study of games." ―Jesper Juul, Visiting Assistant Arts Professor, New York University Game Center

About the Author

Jonas Heide Smith holds an MA in Media Studies from the University of Copenhagen and a PhD in video games from the IT University of Copenhagen. He has taught computer-mediated communication at The University of Copenhagen, The Copenhagen Business School, The IT University of Copenhagen and Roskilde University, and is the co-author of a critically acclaimed book in Danish on computer games.

Simon Egenfeldt-Nielsen is CEO of Serious Games interactive. He has worked as an assistant professor at the IT University of Copenhagen teaching games and learning projects for five years, and has studied, researched and worked with computer games for over a decade. He is the author of four books on video games.

Susana Pajares Tosca holds a PhD in digital literature from the Complutense University of Madrid and is an associate professor at the IT University of Copenhagen. She has taught, researched and published widely on computer games since the mid-nineties. She is a founding editor of Game Studies, the first international peer-reviewed journal on computer game studies.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 2nd edition (July 28, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0415896975
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0415896979
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.75 x 9.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,651,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,737 in Media Studies (Books)
- #7,556 in Video & Computer Games
- #9,150 in Computer & Video Game Strategy Guides

Customer Reviews:
18 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		34%
4 star		42%
3 star 0% (0%)		0%
2 star		14%
1 star		9%

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Venn Buckelew

Scholarly book on video games? All right.

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2013

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Because of the limited range of classroom materials in this field, professors may feel that they have little choice when looking for textbooks about video games. That being said, this book exceeded my (admittedly cynical) expectations for a scholarly work on video games. Although the book focuses on American-made and English-language games, the breadth of the material can be adapted to multiple courses that deal with games. Be warned--this is not a book about designing video games, but about exploring already-made games and the fields of study that examine said games.

This book does ramble at points, and occasionally repeats itself; however, in such a new field with such new research, this is to be expected. The book brings up many popular and recent games, but with the next generation of consoles coming out (this book only studies up to the Wii), it may need a revised edition shortly.

Altogether, this is a good source for a class that focuses on video games and their impact on society and entertainment.

5 people found this helpful

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Sierra

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2016

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Good for class.

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Ultimate Bookworm

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2015

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Needed this for a class, but the book is interesting.

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Elise C.

Good book.

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2014

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Had this as a required textbook. Great insight, would definitely recommend to any aspiring game designer or anyone genuinely interested in video games.

One person found this helpful

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Travis Olsen

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2015

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A great glimpse into the depth that video games have in our lives.

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Gidion

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2015

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The book is good.

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DamnedNForsaken

Good read...

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2013

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It's been a good book a lot of content about the design aspect/ cultural impact of video games in society.

One person found this helpful

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suicaqc

No page reference to the physical book.

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2015

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Note this applies to Amazon E-book, not to the book itself: The e-book version does not have page references to the physical book so beware to check with your professor if you're reading this book for a course.

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Top reviews from other countries

Sarah W.

Used copy...

Reviewed in Germany on May 14, 2021

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... that will help me in my studies.

As expected the soft-cover has some bending going on. Unfortunately, someone thought it was a good idea to write into it with glittery gel pens (only in the beginning in the book however). I also got the original receipt so I know I made a good deal, judging from the original price, anyway.

I had no problem with the delivery whatsoever. The book came in one of these little plastic sleeves with the delivery sticker on it.

Hey

Four Stars

Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2016

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NIce book

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Understanding Video Games: The Essential Introduction 2nd Edition

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