Book description
Presenting a holistic and thoroughly practical investigation of the
true nature of computer games that arms readers with a small yet
powerful set of theories for developing unique approaches to
understanding games. Game Invaders fully integrates genre theory, new
media aesthetics, perceptual opportunities, and semiotics into a
practical DIY toolkit for games analysis-offering detailed guidance
for how to conduct in-depth critiques of game content and gameplay.
Featuring an informal and witty writing style, the book devotes a
number of chapters to specific games from all eras, clearly
demonstrating the practical application of the theories to modern,
large-scale computer games. Readers will find:
• Suggestions on how to apply the DIY package to major issues central
to understanding computer games and their design • Coverage of the
semiotics of video games, laying the foundation for such topics as the
role of agency and virtual storytelling • Tasks and solutions for
readers wishing to practice techniques introduced in the book • A
companion website featuring access to an app that enables the reader
to conduct their own activity profiling of games
An important resource for those wishing to dig deeper into the games
they design, Game Invaders gives game designers the skills they need
to stand out from the crowd. It is also a valuable guide for anyone
wishing to learn more about computer games, virtual reality, and new media.
CLIVE FENCOTT, PhD, is a freelance writer and researcher in new
media. For many years, he taught and researched the theory of computer
games at Teesside University in the UK. He also worked in the games
industry. Dr. Fencott has authored over fifty publications, including
the successful textbook Formal Methods for Concurrency.
MIKE LOCKYER, BSc, PhD, is a Professor of Web Services at
Teesside University, where he has taught for over twenty-five years.
He has published over thirty journal papers, successfully supervised
more than ten PhDs, and is currently involved with developments in web
services and rich client applications.
JO CLAY completed a multimedia master's degree at Teesside
University, under the supervision of Clive Fencott, before joining the
games analysis team. As a gamer herself and apprentice semiotician, Jo
assisted in the development of the Game Invaders method for
application in computer software.
PAUL MASSEY, CEng, MBCS, CITP, is a senior lecturer in
computing at Teesside University, where he teaches and consults on
databases. Paul believes databases are central to most IT systems and
applies techniques (such as data mining) to a range of disciplines
(such as games analysis and decision support).
