Network for the Cultural Study of Videogaming

This interdisciplinary minor prepares students to engage in the gaming and esports industries by providing a broad understanding of videogames and esports. This robust suite of courses highlights the diverse expertise UNCG provides students looking to level-up their education and training. With skills gained from both critical reflection and hands on experience, the minor places students at the forefront of the rapidly changing world of gaming.

Electives are offered in a diverse range of departments, including Art, Classical Studies, Communication Studies, Community and Therapeutic Recreation, English, Information and Analytics, Media Studies, Music, and Religious Studies.

Videogaming and Esports have taken over the global media landscape, with videogame sales doubling the movie box office beginning in 2016 and Esports leagues bringing in annual viewership of almost 500 million. UNCG’s recent launch of its esports initiative, including a state-of-the-art gaming facility, reflects the growing interest and investment in this international industry.

Jason Anthony is a journalist, scholar and game designer working at the intersection of religion and gaming. He is interested in the ways that games have historically played into religious events and practices, and the opportunities that affords for deep digital game experiences in the 21st century. His current research is focused on the Iraqi folk game of mheibes and efforts to bring it online.

Special Project – Mheibes, onscreen and off
The traditional game of Mheibes is played in Iraq and surrounding areas during Ramadan. The game is both simple and complex, a bluffing and guessing game that is played in neighborhood cafes and massive stadiums. In recent years, digital designers have tried to migrate this folk game into their realm, an effort that tests the limits of the digital self. Journalist and scholar Jason Anthony embarked on a yearlong study of the game and its digital counterparts, with both Iraqi players and experts on “bluffing” games from around the globe.

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Kerstin Radde-Antweiler, a distinguished scholar in Religious Studies and deputy spokesperson of the ZeMKI at the University of Bremen, Germany, has been selected as the International Summer 2024 Network for the Cultural Study of Videogaming Visiting Fellow. Professor Radde-Antweiler’s groundbreaking research delves into the intersection of religion, deep mediatization, and video gaming, with a particular focus on ritual studies.

Her extensive publication record includes authored articles and co-edited volumes exploring the profound connections between these areas, including groundbreaking works such as “Minority Churches as Media Settlers Negotiating Deep Mediatization” and “Methods for Studying Video Games and Religion.”

Embark on a compelling journey with the “Game Changers: Navigating Cultural Terrain through Video Gaming” speaker series, proudly hosted by the Network for the Cultural Study of Video Gaming. This thought-provoking series delves into the profound impact of video games on cultural landscapes, exploring the dynamic interplay between digital realms and real-world values. Our expert speakers will unravel the intricate threads connecting gaming narratives with societal norms, ethics, and identity. From delving into diverse gaming communities to dissecting the representation of cultures within virtual worlds, this series promises insightful discussions on how video games shape, challenge, and mirror cultural values.