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

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 2