Play Culture and Social Change in the Digital Era

What is Play Culture?

According to the research by Torres-Toukoumidis and Chaljub Hasbún, play culture encompasses the shared symbolic and interactive behaviors surrounding games. It is no longer confined to childhood or leisure—it reflects the values, identities, and communication methods of modern digital societies.

Why is it Important?

This article explains that play culture serves as a conduit for learning, cultural memory, and social innovation. Games, both analog and digital, shape how individuals perceive the world, build relationships, and engage with institutions. The main findings indicate a shift from viewing games as mere entertainment to recognizing them as educational and sociopolitical tools.

How is it Applied?

H2: Theoretical Foundations of Play

Researchers from Groos to Scolari trace the evolution of play from imitative behaviors to transmedia storytelling. Johan Huizinga’s “magic circle” concept suggests that games create a suspended reality, while Caillois classifies games into categories like competition (Agôn), chance (Alea), simulation (Mimicry), and vertigo (Ilinx).

H3: Serious Games and Social Impact

As outlined by Abt and Crawford, serious games have educational and civic purposes. They simulate complex realities and promote empathy, decision-making, and cultural understanding.

H3: Play in Latin America

The study confirms a distinctive Latin American play culture, rich in diversity but often marginalized in global markets. Researchers call for stronger support of creative industries and digital game production in the region.

FAQs

Q: How do games support education?

This article explains that educational games improve emotional engagement, self-regulation, and completion rates in online courses, especially when well-designed.

Q: Can games change society?

According to the research of Armenise and Salgado Guerrero, games influence social values and civic action, offering immersive frameworks for understanding justice, equity, and collaboration.

Q: What is transmedia storytelling in games?

Carlos Scolari defines it as a narrative that spans multiple media, where users co-create and explore stories across platforms like films, games, and books.