The Socializing Voyage of the Video Game Player
The Socializing Voyage of the Video Game Player

Growing-up with playing The Sims®

Author(s): Pascaline Lorentz
Contributor(s): Martin Michaud (Translator)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Economy, Psychology, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: Video gaming; The Sims®; Socialization; Role-taking; Self:
Summary/Abstract: Video gaming proffers manifold possibilities in role taking and requires players to entertain dialogues with various interlocutors in online and offline contexts. Online games have been extensively studied. Yet, we wonder what happen through the offline interaction between the player and their avatars. This work shows that, while playing with The Sims®, players undertake a socializing voyage through several stops: simulation, anticipation, experimentation, embezzlement and interdependence. Throughout their experiences video gamers extend their awareness and their plasticity to increase their social flexibility. At the end of their voyage, players achieve a better understanding of their social world. The socializing voyage is the micro level of the video-ludological socialization developed elsewhere.

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