Space and Play in Japanese Videogame Arcades (Routledge Contemporary Japan Series)

Synopsis

This book presents a scholarly investigation of the development and culture of Japanese videogame arcades, both from a historical and contemporary point of view.Providing an overview of the historical evolution of public amusement spaces from the early rooftop amusement spaces from the early nineteenth century to the modern multi‑floor and interconnected arcade complexes that characterize the urban fabric of contemporary Japan, the book argues that arcade videogames and their associated practices must be examined in the context in which they are played, situated in the interrelation between the game software, the cabinets as material conditions of play, and the space of the venue that frames the experience. Including three case studies of distinct and significant game centres located in Tokyo and Kyoto, the book addresses of play in public, including the notion of performance and observation as play practices, spatial appropriation, as well as the compartmentalization of the play experience.In treating videogames as sets of circumstances, the book identifies the opportunities for ludic practices that videogame arcades provide in Japan. As such, it will appeal to students and scholars of Game Studies and Digital Media Studies, as well as those of Japanese Culture and Society.

Copyright:

2024

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781040029176

Related ISBNs:

9781040029145, 9781003273776, 9781032226859

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Date of Addition:

05/07/24

Copyrighted By:

Jérémie Pelletier-Gagnon

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Art and Architecture, Computers and Internet, Social Studies

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.