ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book explains past perspectives on interactive/digital literacy and suggests which concepts should be combined/rejected to reach a more comprehensive understanding of the individual developmental processes. It explores diverse conceptions of interactive digital media in pursuit of common themes reflective of video games' influences on personal identity and ideology. The book also explores video game influence through discussions of play theory, narratology, game programming, and interaction with video game hardware. It describes the three key aspects of video game research: ideas of play, agency, and digital interactivity. Combining the concept of ergodics with this individualized developmental process provides a single point of departure to discuss the personal mental shift resulting from the complex experience of video game play. Ludology focuses on the specific elements of games themselves and their processes such as rules, actions, expectations, and interpersonal interactions.
