Well Played

The Well Played Journal is a forum for in-depth close readings of video games that parse out the various meanings to be found in the experience of playing a game. It is a reviewed journal with CfPs for submissions that will be released on a regular basis with high-quality essays.

This issue differs from others in the Well Played series in a number of ways. It was produced through a new program in New York City to bring youth of color into the gaming industry through the public college system. It reflects a diversity of voices: college students, academics, gaming professionals and, yes, even a mayor and (separately) a nerdcore rapper. And each chapter was adapted from a live presentation. 

This special issue is uniquely focused on esports as an emerging type of community, largely within the context of colleges and universities. It asks such questions as: How do college esports clubs facilitate campus social life?  How do the communication systems within competitive games constrain and enable fan/player relationships? And, how do these same systems limit gender equity among players?