Dissertation
The Mighty Spoon: Representing characters with chronic health conditions in videogames
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Creative Arts, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00496
Abstract
Videogames infrequently represent characters with chronic health conditions. Given that such representation can help individuals to discover their own identity and empathise with others, as well as to demonstrate 'what could be and who can be possible' (Shaw 2015: 41), we need to address the lack of meaningful and authentic representation of chronic health conditions to better serve videogame audiences. To further academic discourse on how videogames represent chronic health conditions, I have: 1) considered the interactions between chronic health conditions, identity formation, representation, and videogame design principles; 2) developed an analytical tool that one can use to view and reflect on how videogames represent characters with chronic health conditions; and 3) constructed a creative artefact that exemplifies how videogames represent characters with chronic health conditions and how one can create characters with chronic health conditions. The resulting creative artefact, entitled 'The Mighty Spoon', is a collection of videogames of varying genres and comprises an interactive narrative entitled threesixfive, a vignette entitled Rise, and a role-playing game entitled The Denouement. The accompanying exegesis contextualises these videogames in existing representations of chronic health conditions and academic discourse on chronic health conditions and videogames, identity, and representation. In the exegesis, I record how I constructed creative artefact, my reflections on my process, and the resulting analytical tool to assist other creators in their own analyses and reflective-development processes.
Details
- Title
- The Mighty Spoon: Representing characters with chronic health conditions in videogames
- Authors
- Dakoda J Barker
- Contributors
- Ross Watkins (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Creative Industries - LegacyChristian Jones (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Creative Arts
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00496
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Creative Industries - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451417702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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