Resonance Theory and Digital Games

Resonance Theory and Digital Games explores the application of Hartmut Rosa's sociological theory of resonance in the field of game studies. Moving beyond a broad consideration of how resonance theory may be applied to digital games, the authors analyse how games construct resonance as part of their stories, aesthetics, and mechanics, how players may develop resonant relationships with characters, and how the application of resonance theory may further the educational use of digital games. Chapters demonstrate that key ideas such as identifying attractive and repulsive world relationships or analysing axes of resonance can help in understanding how video games construct relationship between world and self. They acknowledge aspects in which video games foster alienating world relationships while also emphasising that there are precious opportunities for resonance that can be found within video games. This volume will resonate with scholars, students and researchers working in video game studies, digital media, and media sociology.