Video Games Heteroglossia and Player Situation: Initial Diagnosis

The aim of this paper is to create initial frame for possible translation of Bakhtinian key concept of heteroglossia into video game analysis. Although devised to describe specifics of the novel and tightly-knitted to its material, social and historical aspects, can be also seen as possible framework for description of other non-homogenic texts, such as cinema or, in this case, digital game. The opportunity to employ the concept of heteroglossia is rooted in game studies tradition, very eager to single out various layers, or parts of the game itself. Such perspective not only opens venue for concluding two-decade long quarrel over the importance of various game components for understanding the phenomenon – it can be also instrumental in describing the social background and ideology of gamers, understand as particular culture, and depicting the position and role of the player during the very act of the gameplay. It can be also seen as an introduction to the understanding cultural significance and role of the video game.
 

The aim of this paper is to create initial frame for possible translation of Bakhtinian key concept of heteroglossia into video game analysis. Although devised to describe specifics of the novel and tightly-knitted to its material, social and historical aspects, can be also seen as possible framework for description of other non-homogenic texts, such as cinema or, in this case, digital game. The opportunity to employ the concept of heteroglossia is rooted in game studies tradition, very eager to single out various layers, or parts of the game itself. Such perspective not only opens venue for concluding two-decade long quarrel over the importance of various game components for understanding the phenomenon – it can be also instrumental in describing the social background and ideology of gamers, understand as particular culture, and depicting the position and role of the player during the very act of the gameplay. It can be also seen as an introduction to the understanding cultural significance and role of the video game.