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Fractured Gaming Cultures

Marginalized Gamers and New Identities

Fractured Gaming Cultures cover

Fractured Gaming Cultures

Marginalized Gamers and New Identities

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Pre-order. Available 16 Apr 2026
£67.50 RRP £75.00 Website price saving £7.50 (10%)

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Description

Christine Tomlinson demonstrates how embracing and engaging with personal identity-both positively and negatively-has led gaming culture to evolve past the monolith of the stereotypical “gamer” image that exists within the popular imaginary to offer marginalized players safety and community online.
In light of the dichotomy between the hegemonic ideals of who a “gamer” should be-stereotypically young, heterosexual white boys and men-and the reality of diverse gaming audiences, Tomlinson observes how marginalized players have formed their own communities grounded in shared identity and experience. These communities, she contends, allow players to produce new individual and shared gaming identities and cultures as acts of resistance and resilience, through which they can reclaim a position in an often-hostile environment and a slowly changing industry.
Ultimately, Tomlinson argues that while these alternative communities should not need to exist, they have paved the way for a fracturing of gaming culture that provides marginalized players with safe and productive outlets for discussion and community.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Preface


Introduction

1. The Gaming Landscape
2. Diverse Players, Diverse Desires
3. Sharing Community and Shared Attributes Among Players
4. Streaming, Struggle, and Sociality
5. Identity, Engagement, and the Limitations of Company Actions
6. Community, Culture, and Creating Paths Forward

About the Author
Index

Product details

Bloomsbury Academic Test
Published 16 Apr 2026
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 176
ISBN 9781666960228
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations 4 bw illus
Dimensions 229 x 152 mm
Series Emerging Insights into Esports
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Christine Tomlinson

Christine Tomlinson is Assistant Professor of Game…

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