Book Chapter: Not So Straight Shooters: Queering the Cyborg Body in Masculinized Gaming

In N. Taylor & G. Vorhees (eds). Masculinities in Play. New York: Palgrave.

Abstract: This chapter offers a “diffractive” consideration (Barad 2003) of posthumanist and cyberfeminist theory, masculinity studies, and research on gender and gaming, that views digital play between straight white men as a form of homosexual contact via cyborg bodies, one that is mediated by the material and semiotic apparatuses of gaming, but no less real because of that. One goal here is to better understand and account for practices of homoeroticism, homophobia and sexual aggression that transpire between predominantly straight, white male game players, encompassing acts of verbal communication (“rape” and other violent sexual metaphors), in-game actions (teabagging), and ‘gamified’ practices at gaming events described via ethnographic methodologies.

Shira Chess 

Related Research

The Role of Gamification in Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation to Use a Loyalty Program

Abstract: Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study examined how rewards weaken intrinsic motivation to use a retail loyalty program. Two experiments were conducted. Study 1 revealed that individuals who […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn
read more
Kim Kardashian is my New BFF

Abstract: Recently, there has been a growing number of celebrity-focused video games. These games have functioned as promotional tools for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Brittany […]

Shira Chess
read more