Academic Journal Loading... Calls for Submissions

Author: by Beth A.

Loading…, the academic peer-reviewed game research journal put together by the Canadian Game Studies Association, invites submissions for its upcoming ‘Out of Control!’ issue. The first theme issue is devoted to work on the new varieties of controllers now emerging. In a remarkably short time, we have moved from the joystick and a range of button-based controllers, to a plethora of alternative forms: the DSs stylus altered handheld games and play significantly, but these changes now seem relatively innocuous compared to the more ‘embodied’ controllers like the DDR dance pad, the karaoke-type mikes of Singstar and its relations, and most recently the full-body action elicited by the Wii. The journal is seeking full paper submissions that answer questions along the lines of the following: What are the new functions and forms of play enabled by this change in what has perhaps traditionally been regarded as peripheral game hardware? Are new players joining the fray who have otherwise stayed away? Do controllers that are body-based engage different populations, for example, women and girls, more than their predecessors? What new game forms are now becoming imaginable? What implications might these have for more inclusive game design, designs for players who may have visual or other challenges preventing them from participating in previous game forms? Who might be newly excluded? Can games of this kind advance new educational and training goals? Do people who play Guitar Hero learn something about reading music or about rhythm or coordination or performance that has actual value and importance and significance beyond GH itself? Do people who play DDR become better dancers (or worse)? More coordinated? More physically fit? And, finally, how are these controllers being used and what are users learning about digital games by, for instance, using a DDR dancepad to control their Singstar gameplay, just because that’s what is hooked up at the time? And what of the ‘old-style’- controllers--why does no one want to play Halo 2 anymore, when there’s GH running at the other console? All are invited to submit work on any aspect of ‘the controller’ to the editorial board of Loading…. Manuscripts will be peer reviewed, and published in the next issue, which is anticipated for release in Christmas 2007. Papers must be received by December 1, 2007. For full submission details, visit the Loading… website.