Call for Papers

Posted by Bryant on February 22, 2005 at 07:17 AM

Ben Aldred and Bryn Neuenschwander are soliciting papers for an academic volume on role-playing games.

The purpose of the volume is to lay the foundation for future analysis of role-playing games. Papers may be from any discipline (anthropology, folklore, sociology, literary criticism, popular culture etc.) and any theoretical framework, but should be analytical, rather than descriptive or "how-to" essays. The volume will be organized into four broad sections:

GROUNDWORK
This opening section will include material basic to the ongoing study of role-playing games. Examples: a history of the genre's development. The relationship of RPGs to similar activities such as collectible card games, video games, improvisational theatre, historical re-enactment, dinner murder mysteries, etc. A descriptive typology of games. A critical overview of current RPG theory, and what theoretical frameworks from other disciplines might be of relevance.

RPGS AS NARRATIVE
The articles in this section will address the narrative aspects of RPGs. Examples: the mechanics by which RPG narrative are created. Analysis of the kinds of narrative structure seen in games. Comparison of pre-written, published scenarios to individual scenarios. Comparison of one-shot games to ongoing campaigns. Character background narratives and their relationship to the ongoing narrative of the game.

RPGS AS GAME
This section will examine RPGs as a game-playing activity. Examples: comparative analysis of systems and how they function in play. Statistical analyses of probability in RPGs. House rules and other modifications of system. Player strategies for overcoming challenges. In-group player dynamics (inter-PC conflict, power gamers, etc).

COMMUNITY
The final section of the book will step beyond the immediate matter of the games themselves to the social context in which they are produced, distributed, and played. Examples: demographics of the gamer community. Player identification as members of that community. Conventions. Authorial response to player reaction (playtest groups, revised editions, etc). "Independent" games versus corporations. The economic environment of games.

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MAY 1ST, 2005. All proposals should contain the following: a brief description of the topic and tentative conclusions; a sample bibliography and/or description of fieldwork methods; an estimated word-count; and a short biography listing your relevant experience and academic or professional credentials. Proposals and questions regarding this project should be sent to (bneuensc AT indiana DOT edu) and (baldred AT indiana DOT edu), within the body of the message ONLY (no attachments).