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Services & Supports
Communications Office
Press Release
DIGITAL GAMES INDUSTRY BROUGHT TO BOOK BY NUI MAYNOOTH LECTURER
23rd June 2006
Digital games are a male-dominated preserve, with the games designed and made by men and the most active players also male, according to a new book published by Dr Aphra Kerr, Department of Sociology, NUI Maynooth.
The study further concludes that, contrary to popular belief, digital games are not necessarily damaging to the health of players. Indeed, in some situations games can have a beneficial effect.
The book, The Business and Culture of Digital Games: gamework/gameplay, is based on interviews with developers and publishers from the games industry, policy makers and game players along with a survey of international literature. It explores both the business and pleasure sides of digital game playing in a range of countries.
Speaking at the launch, which was held at the Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar, Dr Kerr said: “It surprised me how few women were involved in the games industry. I hope this book helps parents, policy makers, the media and students to better understand this growing business that plays such a huge role in everyday life.”
Dr Aphra Kerr, who is a lecturer in Sociology at NUI Maynooth, has been researching aspects of digital games for six years. Originally from County Laois, she runs the website www.gamedevelopers.ie, is an academic member of the Irish chapter of the International Games Development Association and a committee member of the Women in Games conference to be held at the University of Teeside, UK, this July.
Further information: Communications Office, NUI Maynooth 01 708 6160.
Professor Seán Ó Riain, Department of Sociology; Dr Aphra Kerr, Department of Sociology; Professor Paschal Preston, Dublin City University; Professor Maire Messenger Davies, University of Ulster.