"Gamer-making": discussing identities through game-making

Abstract

Identities should not be understood as a static, defining trait, but as a temporary articulation performed by diverse people. Based on data generated through the Playing Beowulf project, in which students produced their own games, I present a reflection on the meaning of a gamer identity and how diverse identities can be performed and articulated during game-making process. Understanding how these identities are orchestrated in a non-professional environment might help to clarify the relationship between them and the social and cultural position occupied by games, as well as to reflect on the validity and possible limits of a gamer identity.

Keywords

• identity
• gamer
• culture
• game-making
• education