The Philosophy of Video Games

The Philosophy of Video Games proposes a crucial question for philosophers and gamers alike: can video games count as a proper medium for aesthetic or philosophical expression? Jere Surber argues that encounters between video games and philosophy have begun to affect one another: just as video games are becoming increasingly informed by philosophy in their design and content, philosophy is itself having to change in order to account for the new issues raised by digitally mediated interactive experiences. In addition to laying down a foundation for the exploration of video games as a philosophical medium, this book explores an even more radical question: Is it possible for video games to serve as a full-fledged medium for the expression of philosophical concepts, ideas, and viewpoints? The Philosophy of Video Games provides the reader and student with all the tools necessary to engage with this key question, including a comprehensive and detailed glossary of terms; an annotated list of suggested further reading; and a timeline laying out the history of video games, along with links to relevant trailers and segments of gameplay which encapsulate the most important philosophical innovations in the history of gaming. This book is the ideal reading and research companion for students at all levels.