Power in Play
Ongoing research on masculinity in games.
Thesis from January to June 2023, supervised by Miguel Sicart
Ongoing research since June 2023
I used to think that play inherently offered a safe space for difficult conversations by temporarily suspending the power structures that keep some people silent. Over the years, I observed while facilitating workshops that I was wrong. These mistakes led me to this research. As part of my Master of Science in Games at the IT University of Copenhagen, I studied the impact of hegemonic masculinity in games and how authority shapes the way we play. I also developed a system to recognize and design safer, more inclusive games. Since then, I have continued investigating how to design playful experiences that challenge structures of domination and asymmetries of knowledge.
I publish papers and give conferences on the subject. Find a list below. Drop me a line for a collaboration or a coffee chat.
Power in Play
Academic Publications
(to be published) “Assigning Authority to the Dominant Player in Role-Playing Games”, in International Journal of Role-Playing, n.d.
“Playing by the Rules of the Dominant Player”, Proceedings of Playgrounds: DiGRA Conference, 2024.
“Drifting in the Trees: Creating Playgrounds with Recreational Urban Tree Climbing”, Proceedings of Playgrounds: DiGRA Conference, 2024.
Talks & Conferences
“Is This Gamesplaining? A Talk on Power Distribution in Collaborative Games”, PLAY24 Creative Gaming Festival, 16 November 2024, Germany (Online), 20 min.
“Playing by the Rules of the Dominant Player”, Playgrounds: DiGRA Conference, 1-5 July 2024, Mexico, 30 min.
“Drifting in the Trees: Creating Playgrounds with Recreational Urban Tree Climbing”, Playgrounds: DiGRA Conference, 1-5 July 2024, Mexico, 30 min.
“Drifting in The Trees”, Winter Games of IT University of Copenhagen, January 2023, Denmark, 10 min.
“Power in Play: Distribution and Validation of Authority in Gaming”, Thesis Presentation at IT University of Copenhagen, June 2023, Denmark, 60 min.
“Power in Play”, Summer Games of IT University of Copenhagen, September 2023, Denmark, 10 min.
“Play as an Educational and Mobilisation Tool”, Symposium of ENvironnement JEUnesse, 2018 & 2021, Montreal, 10 min.
“Story of a Young Woman Entrepreneur”, IFDD Symposium, 2018, Québec, 10 min.
Awards
“Most Emotional Game” for A Tree in Memory, at Nordic Game Jam 2020
Regional Award (CMM) for “Best Corporate Services Sector”, at OseEntreprendre 2018 (for WASA Games)
Gold medal for “Best Creative Sustainable Solution”, at Jeux de la Francophonie 2017. With Distinction from l’Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (for WASA Games)
