DEADLINE EXTENDED. NEW DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION: 14TH MARCH 2025

Our culture is undoubtedly influenced by various forms of games, especially video games. These relatively new forms of expression quickly became a driving force of culture. All the generations have become indulged in the pleasure and escapism of games. Nowadays, most of us relax by playing on tabletop systems, devices, or by using cards or miniatures. 

Certain events, both recent and past, have assured us that the games have developed beyond straightforward escapism and a bizarre past-time activity. Some may point to the painful memories of the GamerGate controversy or the hate regarding the very recent The Witcher 4 trailer release. Some, in turn, may point with awe to the financial and playtime scores of digital behemoths such as Grand Theft Auto V.

In the 21st century, video games ventured onto paths uncharted by other forms of media, i.e., film or literature. As billions flow to the studios, and digital entertainment wins over our hearts and minds, academia can hardly avoid the topic. Game studies have developed greatly, allowing us to discuss our favourite titles in papers, theses, or other academic forms.

This is not to say that other gaming forms have been forgotten or omitted. The Warhammer universe is now developing, as the new edition of Kill Team skirmish sets got its new edition in 2024. Tabletop role-playing games are more popular than ever due to the wildly popular Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Games 2023), the film adaptation Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Goldstein and Daley 2023), or the introduction of a new Wizards of the Coast system for Dungeons & Dragons (2024). 

But games are developing beyond the visual; ARGs (Augmented Reality Games) have taken the world of audio dramas by storm. The game culture is becoming more than just stunning visuals - it is becoming 4D, a cosmic culture which morphs and recontextualises in front of the keen eyes of scholars.

Following a paradigm of culture influenced by and influencing popular culture, we want to provide a platform for academic discussion about games of all sorts. Since games influence how we see the world and are shaped by our common view of reality, we want to see your takes on this relationship and the works of game studios.

We invite contributions that engage with narrative studies in games and play, grounded in literary studies, but also welcome submissions from related fields such as art studies, linguistics, and other interdisciplinary approaches. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The narrative mechanics of games;

• Visual storytelling and artistic expression in games;

• The role of language, linguistics, and dialogue in interactive experiences;

• Player agency and choices;

• Queer gaming: characters, games, players;

• Experimental games;

• Gaming beyond the video: audio and tactile gaming;

• AI and VR in games and play;

• “Theatre of the Mind” gaming in scholarly discourse;

• Games and gaming representations in media and culture;

• Philosophy in games/games as philosophy;

• The relationship between game mechanics and theme;

• Cultural or political movements related to gaming culture;

• Social reception of certain themes/motifs in video games.

This conference is open to young scholars (graduate students, early career researchers, and independent scholars) who wish to share their research, engage in critical discussions, and build connections within the academic and creative communities. 

The conference will be held in a hybrid format to encourage global contributions, but preference will be given to on-site attendees. Participation in the conference is free of charge.

Please submit an abstract of 200-300 by 14 March 2025, to cultura.popularis.us@gmail.com. Abstracts should include the title of your paper, your name, affiliation (if applicable), and a short bio note (100 words) and should be sent in a Word or PDF format. 

Key dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: 14 March 2025

• Notification of acceptance: 21 March 2025

• Conference dates: 5-6 June 2025

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to Ludonarratives!