Gameology 2.0

Participants are being sought for paper sessions on Video Game Theory and Culture for the 29th Annual International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts.

The focus of ICFA 29 is on the sublime in the fantastic, and while papers relating to this theme are welcome, proposals on any topics related to this call will be considered. The conference will be held in Orlando, Florida, from March 19 - 23, 2008 at the Marriott Orlando Marriott Hotel. For more information and updates about the conference, please visit www.iafa.org.

Possible topics include (but are not limited to) the following topics:

• Virtual environments and bodies
• Gaming communities
• Avatars
• Performance
• Role-playing
• Narrative structure and strategy
• Online gaming
• The economics of gaming
• Game-specific language, how communication evolves for and out of the medium
• Immersion
• Gaming psychology
• Differences in gamer engagement with game based on medium (e.g., table top, visual online, textual online, etc.)
• Games and learning
• Game genres and series
• Representations of self/identity in online games, MUSHes, etc.
• Gender and sexuality in games/gaming

Any games based on fantasy or science fiction, or horror premises, including media tie-ins, for any electronic platform as well as online games (even ones that are mostly text based, e.g., MUSHes, etc.).

If you are interesting in submitting a paper, proposals should include a 500-word abstract and appropriate bibliography indicating the project's scholarly or theoretical context. Be sure to include current/working contact information (snailmail AND email addresses). Also note whether your presentation would require audio-visual equipment.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Barbara Lucas, Division Head Community and Culture in the Fantastic Division DFS 31225 Bainbridge Road, Suite M Solon, OH 44139 barbedwriting_at_yahoo.com

The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2007. However, proposals will be reviewed and accepted as they are received.

You can review all conference information at the IAFA website: www.iafa.org. Bookmark the site to keep checking back for updates. For information and updates specific to the Community and Culture Division, visit http://community.livejournal.com/ccfantastic/.