A1 Journal article (refereed)
Computer game as a pragmatic concept : ideas, meanings, and culture (2020)
Karhulahti, V.-M. (2020). Computer game as a pragmatic concept : ideas, meanings, and culture. Media, Culture and Society, 42(3), 471-480. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443720907010
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Karhulahti, Veli-Matti
Journal or series: Media, Culture and Society
ISSN: 0163-4437
eISSN: 1460-3675
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 42
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 471-480
Publisher: Sage Publications
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443720907010
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68268
Abstract
This article discusses the ‘computer game’ as a pragmatic concept. A dual nature of the computer game as both a pragmatic idea and a pragmatic meaning is introduced. Practical meanings of the computer game correspond with the concrete effects that engaging with computer games produces in an individual. Practical ideas of the computer game correspond with the subjectively constituted conceptual families concerning the computer game’s assumed practical meaning. Individual computer games can be considered flat or round depending on the range of their practical meanings. Thus, the article contributes to the study of cultural objects by offering a framework for examining the evolution and existence of such objects as cross-cultural practical entities – less in terms of communication, media, and materiality, and more in terms of concrete actions and events that individuals across societies commence and conceptualize.
Keywords: computer games; online games; video games; digital games; meanings (semantics); definitions; culture; interculturalism; game culture; pragmatism
Free keywords: cross-cultural concepts; definitions; games; meaning; philosophy; social pragmatism
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies
- Koskimaa, Raine
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 2