Felan Parker, a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Technoculture, Art & Games Research Centre, will present a talk on March 15 as part of York University's Institute for Research on Digital Learning Speaker Series 2016-17.
The talk is based on Parker's Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant project, "Indie Interfaces: Intermediary Labour in Independent Game Development," and takes place from 1:30 to 2:30pm in 280N York Lanes.
His research is on the industry and culture of digital games.
This talk considers the history, practices, and impact of the popular independent game showcase Indie MEGABOOTH and its founders in terms of their role as cultural intermediary in promoting and supporting indie game development. In its highly publicized outward-facing curator role, the MEGABOOTH ascribes legitimacy and value to specific games and developers, but its behind-the-scenes logistical and brokerage activities are of equal if not greater importance.
The MEGABOOTH and other intermediaries mediate between a diverse set of actors and stakeholders with multiple (often conflicting) needs and goals, and in doing so help constitute the field of production, distribution and consumption for indie games.
Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, email irdl@yorku.ca.