Bilgisayar Oyunları, Yeni Medya ve Kimlik: Kuramsal Arayışlar

Abstract

This thesis tries to study the topics of new media and identity with a focus on computergames. In line with ludological approaches I argue that computer games need nonrepresentationaltheories to be adequately conceptualised. Taking this as a starting pointI attempt to introduce and discuss holistic theoretical frameworks suitable for theorizingidentity and video games by drawing from variety of fields including cognitive sciences,science and technology studies, posthumanism and philosophy. Taking Gilles Deleuzeas a central figure alongside with other influential theoreticians like Manuel de Landa,Brian Massumi, Tim Ingold, Bruno Latour, Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela, Iargue that there is indeed a rich literature to draw on beyond representational mediatheory when thinking about computer games. I also suggest that these perspectives are fertile for much needed theoreticalwork in cultural studies when studying nature and technology related phenomena.