Achievement Unlocked. The Americanness of Video Games

Abstract

In the few decades of its existence, the cultural impact and influence of video games has been almost constantly growing. Assuming a similar growth in the next few decades, video games could very well become one of the most important denominators for cultural expression in the future. Video games could become a substantial part of American culture, greatly influencing the way the world and the U.S. view America.

There has not been much research on the subject of narrative in video games in the field of American Studies. This thesis will try to change this. With concrete examples it will be shown how core concepts of 'Americanness' are handled in American video game genres.

The following concepts and genres will be analyzed: - Gender & Diversity; Role Playing Games - Economy & Individuality; Management Sims - Race & Diversity; Open World Games - Empire & Expansionalism; First Person Shooters