This seminar was organised by The Global Japanese Studies Model Unit and held on June 28, at Waseda University’s Toyama Campus. Dr. Ben Whaley, associate professor of Japanese at the University of Calgary, discussed the connection between real-world issues and the experience found in video games as explored in his book, Toward a Gameic World: New Rules of Engagement from Japanese Video Games (University of Michigan Press, 2023).
Dr. Whaley’s position that video games play an important part in the interaction between players, their personal matters, and society was illustrated by including references to popular gaming titles such as Disaster Reports (『絶体絶命都市』), Catherine (『キャサリン』), Metal Gear Solid V (『メタルギアソリッドV』), and The World Ends with You (『すばらしきこのせかい』). He claims that playing video games allows players to practice responding to difficulties they may encounter in real life in a non-threatening virtual environment.
Dr. Whaley also discussed the positive and negative effects video games can have on players, and how the distinction between reality and mediated reality is becoming less defined as games become more prevalent in society and an essential part of life for the individual. Through developing learning strategies to deal with virtual problems, players may also develop a unique perspective on the similarities, differences, and overlapping areas between their virtual experiences and their interactions with the real world.
Dr. Whaley participated in a Q&A session with 21 participants and following the conclusion of his presentation, generously gave his time to discuss these issues in more detail with participants.
Event Overview
- Date and time: June 28, 2023, 17:00 – 18:40 (JST)
- Language: English
- Lecturer: Ben Whaley (Associate Professor, University of Calgary)
- Venue: Room 231, 2nd Fl., Building 33, Toyama Campus, Waseda University
- Timetable
17:00 – 17:10: Introduction Pau Pitarch (Associate Professor, Waseda Univeristy)
17:10 – 18:05: Lecture Ben Whaley (Associate Professor, University of Calgary)
18:05 – 18:40: Discussion - Participation is free
