Heroes and Hooligans: The Heterogeneity of Video Game Modders

Curtis, Joanna ORCID: 0000-0002-8279-6166, Oxburgh, Gavin and Briggs, Pam (2022) Heroes and Hooligans: The Heterogeneity of Video Game Modders. Games and Culture, 17 (2). pp. 219-243. doi:10.1177/15554120211026255

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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
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Video game modification; Gaming; Digital drift, Playbour; Forums
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV1199 Games and amusements > GV1469 Computer games. Video games. Fantasy games H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology. H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology. > HV6001 Criminology > HV6251 Crimes and offences
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Charlotte Crutchlow
Date Deposited:	25 Apr 2024 10:31
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2024 10:31
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13989

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