Gender and Identity in Game-Modifying Communities. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wirman, Hanna
• Other Names: Harviainen J. Tuomas guest-editor.; Lainema Timo guest-editor.; Suominen Jaakko guest-editor.; Soinila Erno guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 45:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: co-creativity -- computer games -- cultural studies -- culture -- ethnography -- game modifications -- gender -- global game communities -- global game discourses -- hackerism -- identity -- media studies -- nationality -- player identity -- THE SIMS 2; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Game theory -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Jeu de rôle -- Périodiques; Éducation; Jeu d'entreprise; Jeu de simulation; Méthode de simulation; Sciences sociales; Théorie des jeux; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 003.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1046878113519572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

This article discusses the practice of game modification among players of the computer game THE SIMS 2. It draws on a set of email interviews conducted with Finnish players of the game. From a cultural studies and media studies perspective, it considers the importance of, primarily, gendered identity and, to some degree, national identity, for such a practice. Focusing on the players' constructed identities as women, game modifiers, THE SIMS 2 players, and Finns, this article highlights the importance of global game communities and discourses for their player identity. Game reviews and popular game magazine articles are used as secondary sources to establish the game within popular game discourse.