Performativity in Art, Literature, and Videogames

This book modifies the concept of performativity with media theory in order to build a rigorous method for analyzing videogame performances. Beginning with an interdisciplinary exploration of performative motifs in Western art and literary history, the book shows the importance of framing devices in orienting audiences’ experience of art. The frame, as a site of paradox, links the book’s discussion of theory with close readings of texts, which include artworks, books and videogames. The resulting method is interdisciplinary in scope and will be of use to researchers interested in the performative aspects of gaming, art, digital storytelling and nonlinear narrative.

Darshana Jayemanne is Lecturer in Art, Media and Games at Abertay University, UK. Previously he was a researcher at The University of Melbourne, Australia. His current work investigates art, media and games and has appeared in venues such as Fibreculture, ToDiGRA Journal and The Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media.