Heroes and Hooligans: The Heterogeneity of Video Game Modders

Curtis, Joanna, Oxburgh, Gavin and Briggs, Pamela (2022) Heroes and Hooligans: The Heterogeneity of Video Game Modders. Games and Culture, 17 (2). pp. 219-243. ISSN 1555-4120

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120211026255

Abstract

Video games are hugely popular, generating more than twice the revenue of global movie and music industries combined. Whilst technically illegal and often carrying negative connotations, modding constitutes a moral grey area that is commonly accepted, often encouraged by proprietary owners and forum-centred gaming communities. Literature reflects a disparity between outsider and insider perceptions of modding, with a paucity of studies reflecting insider perspectives. Using Reddit forum data, this study contributes insight into perceptions of modding held by gamers and ‘modders’, as described in their words and their territory. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes relating to unfairness in the vendor community, modders as antagonists, differences between modders and modding as forms of self-defence. Conclusions include that modding appears to have both pro- and antisocial applications, but many people and organisations demonise modders as a homogeneous group, which may encourage antisocial behaviours.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and grant number EP/M020576/1.
Uncontrolled Keywords: video game modification, gaming, digital drift, playbour, forums
Subjects: C800 Psychology
L300 Sociology
Department: Faculties > Arts, Design and Social Sciences > Social Sciences
Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User: Elena Carlaw
Date Deposited: 03 Jul 2021 14:36
Last Modified: 29 Mar 2022 08:45
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/46599

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