Includes bibliographical references (pages 250-257) and index
List of illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction: space invaders, tomb raiders -- Gameplay and its contexts -- Gamescapes: exploration and virtual presence in game-worlds -- Realism, spectacle, sensation -- Social, cultural and political dimensions -- Afterword -- Notes -- Select bibliography -- Index
This book focuses on key formal aspects of video games and the experiences and pleasures offered by the activities they require of the player. A wide range of games are considered, from first-person shooters to third-person action-adventures, strategy, sports-related and role-playing games. Lively and accessible in style, this book is written for both an academic readership and the wider audience of gamers and those interested in popular culture