“Ludologica. Videogames d’Autore” is pleased to announce its call for
papers for a book on Sid Meier’s series “Civilization”.

Provisionally titled “Civilization and its discontents. Virtual history.
Real fantasies”, this interdisciplinary volume will explore a range of
topics regarding the aesthetics, politics and logic of the simulation,
its (v)ideological implications and possible uses for educational
purposes. The editors are looking for original contributions from a
variety of fields, including new media studies, game studies, history,
sociology, philosophy, art history, and anthropology.

Possible topics may include (but are not limited to):

- “Civilization” and ideology
- “Civilization” as contested space for race/class/gender issues
- “Civilization” as a form of virtual imperialism
- Genesis, history and evolution of the “Civilization” series
- Subversive/transformative play in “Civilization”
- Sid Meier as an auteur
- Sid Meier’s game production (from “Silent Service” to “SimGolf”)
- An analysis of hypotexts inspired by Meier’s games (e.g.,
novelizations of “Alpha Centauri” or strategy guides)
- Simulations, videogames and postmodernism
- Relationships between history and video games

For the purpose of review, please submit a 500-1000 word abstract
(including 6 keywords) no later than November 20 2003 to Matteo Bittanti
at mbittanti_at_libero.it. A one page curriculum vitae or short biography
will also be appreciated.

The accepted authors will be notified by mid-December and asked to
submit a complete draft of their papers no later than January 31, 2004.
Manuscripts should be 3,000-7,000 words, double-spaced. MLA citations
preferred. All textual contributions must be written in English or
Italian. The submission should be fully referenced. If you have any
questions, please email Matteo Bittanti at mbittanti_at_libero.it.

Launched in 2003, “Ludologica. Videogames d’autore” is a new series of
books that honor the most significant video games ever produced. In
these paperbacks, distinguished game critics, scholars, and novelists
discuss the production and reception of their chosen video games in the
context of an argument about the games social, cultural, and aesthetic
importance. “Ludologica. Videogames d'Autore” is part of a larger
project on video game and new media research funded by Libera Università
di Lingue e Comunicazione (IULM)/Cariplo Foundation. Books are printed
and distributed by Edizioni Unicopli, one of the leading publishers of
academic texts in Italy. For more information: www.ludologica.com

Matteo Bittanti
Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazioni (IULM)
Via Filippo da Liscate, 2 20143 Milano (italy)
mbittanti_at_libero.it

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Received on Fri Oct 17 2003 - 13:57:02 EDT