Synopses & Reviews
This classic study still provides one of the most acute descriptions available of an often misunderstood subculture: that of fantasy role playing games like Dungeons amp Dragons. Gary Alan Fine immerses himself in several different gaming systems, offering insightful details on the nature of the games and the patterns of interaction among players--as well as their reasons for playing."Fine's analysis of the intricacies of role-playing in context carries an authority and acuteness denied to mere observers. . . . His inside knowledge enables him to make fine distinctions in the strategies and functions of these games that are lost to most outside analysts."--Bill Ellis, Journal of American Folklore"As an ethnography of fantasy role-playing games and gamers, Fine's book respects his subjects and honors the complexity of their enterprise. And as an analysis of the overlap between that world and other more familiar worlds, Fine's book both honors and clarifies the still incredible skills we nevertheless take so much for granted."--Prue Rains, Sociology and Social Research
Synopsis
This classic study still provides one of the most acute descriptions available of an often misunderstood subculture: that of fantasy role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Gary Alan Fine immerses himself in several different gaming systems, offering insightful details on the nature of the games and the patterns of interaction among players—as well as their reasons for playing.
About the Author
Gary Alan Fine is a professor of sociology at Northwestern University. His many books include Difficult Reputations: Collective Memories of the Evil, Inept, and Controversial and With the Boys: Little League Baseball and Preadolescent Culture, both published by the University of Chicago Press.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. FRP
2. Players
3. Collective Fantasy
4. hlónkoi dáhlte dóm tlayésh másun, tlatsolyáni, né?
5. ame Structure
6. Frames and Games
7. Role-Playing and Self-Playing
8. The Reality of Fantasy
Methodological Appendix
Notes
References
Index