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'Return to Roots': An Examination of the Re-Presentations of Rurality Within Post-Apocalyptic Survival Video Games

Posted on:2017-03-24Degree:M.AType:Thesis
University:University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Canada)Candidate:Reid, SamanthaFull Text:PDF
GTID:2467390011984414Subject:Criminology
Abstract/Summary:
Post-apocalyptic survival (PAS) themed video games provide a virtual world that re-presents the realities of current society. Current studies have examined the existence of game culture (Aldred & Greenspan, 2011; Atkins, 2006; Kucklich, 2006), but limited analysis has focused on how these cultures relate to their real world counterparts. This study examines the re-presentations of rural culture, violence, and the production of rural stereotypes within PAS video games applying a cultural criminology foundation and elements of social control theory (Hirschi, 1969). Nine video games were examined for their setting; conflict; rural culture/stereotypes; and social structures using content analysis and coding frames. Results that PAS video games provide mixed views of rural life/culture, but skewed depictions of violence and a continual reproduction of socially constructed stereotypes.
Keywords/Search Tags:Video games, Rural, PAS
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