A1 Journal article (refereed)
Multiverse ethnography : A qualitative method for gaming and technology use research (2022)

Karhulahti, V.-M., Kauraoja, V., Ouninkorpi, O., Perttu, S., Perälä, J., Toivanen, V., & Siutila, M. (2022). Multiverse ethnography : A qualitative method for gaming and technology use research. Journal of Gaming and Virtual Worlds, 14(1), 85-110. https://doi.org/10.1386/jgvw_00053_1

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Karhulahti, Veli-Matti; Kauraoja, Valtteri; Ouninkorpi, Olli; Perttu, Soli; Perälä, Jussi; Toivanen, Vilma; Siutila, Miia

Journal or series: Journal of Gaming and Virtual Worlds

ISSN: 1757-191X

eISSN: 1757-1928

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 01/04/2022

Volume: 14

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 85-110

Publisher: Intellect

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/jgvw_00053_1

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/83648

Abstract

This article introduces multiverse ethnography as a systematic team-based qualitative method for studying the mechanical, structural and experiential properties of video games and other technological artefacts. Instead of applying the ethnographic method to produce a single in-depth account, multiverse ethnography includes multiple researchers carrying out coordinated synergetic ethnographic work on the same research object, thus producing a multiverse of interpretations and perspectives. To test the method, 41 scholars carried out a multiverse ethnography on two video games, Cyberpunk 2077 and Among Us. Explorative thematic findings regarding both titles are reported and methodological implications of multiverse ethnography are discussed.

Keywords: video games; virtual world; digital culture; game culture; methodology; research methods; ethnography; research groups

Free keywords: Among Us; Cyberpunk 2077; anthropology; big-team science; digital culture; methodology; qualitative research

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1