Download MP3: Kocik_ParticipatoryCondition
In this episode, JAMS 860 student David Kocik and his friend Travis Schultz discuss the limits of participatory culture. In 2017, the online video game store Steam updated its publishing and regulatory policies, declaring that these updates would allow more artists to publish their works for viable profits. However, Steam’s refusal to thoroughly regulate the games that are sold on its platform exemplifies the economic exploitation of supposed participatory cultures online.
David Kocik is a first-year Media Studies Master’s student researching video games, gaming cultures, masculinity, and political participation.
References:
- Barney, D., Coleman, G., Ross, C., Sterne, J., and Tembeck, T. “The Participatory Condition: An Introduction.” The Participatory Condition in the Digital Age. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2016.
- Orland, Kyle. “A $100 lottery ticket: Indies discuss Steam Greenlight’s New Fee.” Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/a-100-lottery-ticket-indies-discuss-steam-greenlights-new-fee.
- “Who Gets To Be On The Steam Store?” Steam. https://steamcommunity.com/games/593110/announcements/detail/1666776116200553082.
Comments or questions? Email dpkocik[at]uwm[dot]edu.