After the Game

This semester, we will discuss what happens after the game. Is a game over when it ends? And when does it end, anyway? Our starting point will be the thesis that the play experience is a phenomenon of afterwardsness (Nachträglichkeit). We will investigate the different expression this idea finds in gaming culture and discuss questions such as: What does the format of the review tell us about play experience and capitalism? How does fan fiction delay the end of the gaming experience? What demands are placed on the play experience when debriefings are conducted?

Participants will be asked to research a certain topic in groups and present a research report to the class.

Research, presentation of a research report and regular participation in the discussions.

We will also have two additional sessions (one guest lecture and one play session) which will be scheduled by agreement.