2nd CALL FOR CHAPTERS Proposals Submission Deadline: 6/30/2009 Full Chapters Due: 9/15/2009 Utopic Dreams and Apocalyptic Fantasies: Playing In Virtual Realms (Lexington Press) A book edited by Talmadge Wright, David Embrick and Andras Lukacs, Loyola University Chicago Introduction While many books and scholarly articles are emerging on the new area of game studies and the application of computer games to learning, therapeutic, military and entertainment environments, few have attempted to contextualize the importance of virtual play within the broader social, cultural and political environment that raises the question of the significance of both work and play in the modern world. The expanding role of new forms of electronic entertainment, specifically, digital games, in shaping the relationship between people and altering the practice of everyday life, has called into question traditional notions of play and work. In addition, it has also exposed generational fault lines and increased the number of venues for both youth and adults to engage in self-expression. In the virtual realms of the new playgrounds, both utopic dreams and apocalyptic fantasies can be explored and discusses by their participants. Objective of the Book This edited volume is designed to address questions prompted by the expansion of new digital media and, specifically, questions of how to research virtual play, what changes need to be made in the social sciences to advance out understanding of the role such games play in contemporary life, our fears and anxieties around new media, and how new media is changing the nature of what it means to work and play. This volume is directed towards researchers and students in the emerging area of Game Studies, New Media Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology. Our hope is to draw attention to the need for a more comprehensive social and cultural understanding of both the role and the significance of virtual realms in contemporary life. Sub areas the book will address include: the theory of modern play, the business of virtual play, methodology, social-psychological implications of digital play, social inequalities and virtual play and fandom. Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following: • The Nature of Modern Play and Technology - Defining Modern Play (the theory of play, leisure beyond Huzinga) • Researching Virtual Play (methodological considerations) • Game Fans Speak Out (empirical game audience and fan studies) Submission Procedure Interested researchers are invited to submit on or before June 30, 2009, a 250-500 word chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission, methodology and concerns of the proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by July 15, 2009 about the status of their proposal and chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by September 15, 2009. The book is scheduled to be published by Lexington Press (a division of Rowman & Littlefield) during the 2nd half of 2010. For additional information about the publisher, please visit http://www.lexingtonbooks.com/ Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document) or by mail to: Andras Lukacs Loyola University Chicago Department of Sociology Damen Hall 955C 1032 W. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60626 Email: alukacs@luc.edu