60 acast.com Leveller https://shows.acast.com/leveller en Emma Brewis video games,politics,academic,academia,international studies,knowledge exchange,gaming Emma and Adam Welcome to Leveller, the podcast where two academics dive deep into the intersection of video games and politics. Join PhD students Emma Brewis and Adam Cooper as they discuss video games as a medium through which to stretch, challenge, and transform our thinking.  


In each episode, they dissect how games reflect, shape, and inform political discourse. Through engaging discussions and interviews with fellow academics, they delve into topics like security, democracy and the influence of gaming communities on real-world politics.


Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a political junkie, or simply curious about the ways in which games intersect with the wider world, Leveller has something for you. Join us as we embark on an intellectual journey through the pixels, exploring the rich and complex relationship between video games and politics. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Leveller, the podcast where two academics dive deep into the intersection of video games and politics. Join PhD students Emma Brewis and Adam Cooper as they discuss video games as a medium through which to stretch, challenge, and transform our thinking.  


In each episode, they dissect how games reflect, shape, and inform political discourse. Through engaging discussions and interviews with fellow academics, they delve into topics like security, democracy and the influence of gaming communities on real-world politics.


Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a political junkie, or simply curious about the ways in which games intersect with the wider world, Leveller has something for you. Join us as we embark on an intellectual journey through the pixels, exploring the rich and complex relationship between video games and politics. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Emma Brewis info+662689795dd0140012bec35b@mg-eu.acast.com 662689795dd0140012bec35b leveller episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/662689795dd0140012bec35b/1718207996178-f5aa68c91d51ed259044ebd454324ba4.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/leveller Leveller Christmas Special - Alternative Political Game Awards Christmas Special - Alternative Political Game Awards Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:48:25 GMT 1:00:17 675b2911c993575729699d7b false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/christmas-special-alternative-political-game-awards 675b2911c993575729699d7b 662689795dd0140012bec35b christmas-special-alternative-political-game-awards full 1 9 In this very special final episode of the first season of Leveller, we look back on our year and discuss which games we think deserve some extra attention in our Alternative Political Game Awards. Join us to hear which game got us most thinking about the threat posed to nature by big corporations, which made us think about engagement, our overall best game of the year, and many many more.


Game List


Adam:

Stray

Alan Wake 2

Valorant

Fortnite

Content Warning

Chained Together

Another Crab's Treasure

Baldur's Gate 3

Crusader King's 3

Divinity Original Sin 2

Black Myth Wukong

Callisto Protocol

Citizen Sleeper

Cult of the Lamb

Elden Ring

Sims 4

Stardew Valley

Dead Rising Remaster

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

Dredge

Left 4 Dead 2

Moonring

Firewatch

Gris

Ghostrunner 2

Hades 2

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Papers, Please

Thirsty Suitors

Chants of Sennaar

Still Wakes the Deep

Venba

Inscryption

Kentucky Route Zero

Papa's Quiz

Mario Kart

Alba

Snipperclips

Layers of Fear

Final Fantasy XVI

Silent Hill 2

Thank Goodness You're Here

Rainbow Six Siege

Helldivers 2

Balatro


Emma:

World of Goo

Papers Please

Inside 

Gunpoint

Error 143

A Date with Death

Hades 2

PalWorld

Huniepop

Boyfriend Dungeon

El Paso Elsewhere

Dave the Diver

Moonring

Control

Farcry 5

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Lethal Company

Stardew valley

Sims

Mario Kart

Mario Party

Snipperclips

Alba

Kentucky Route Zero

Cult of the Lamb

Papa's Quiz

Tears of the Kingdom

Dead Cells

Valorant

The Finals

2XKO

Inscryption

Thank Goodness You're Here


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this very special final episode of the first season of Leveller, we look back on our year and discuss which games we think deserve some extra attention in our Alternative Political Game Awards. Join us to hear which game got us most thinking about the threat posed to nature by big corporations, which made us think about engagement, our overall best game of the year, and many many more.


Game List


Adam:

Stray

Alan Wake 2

Valorant

Fortnite

Content Warning

Chained Together

Another Crab's Treasure

Baldur's Gate 3

Crusader King's 3

Divinity Original Sin 2

Black Myth Wukong

Callisto Protocol

Citizen Sleeper

Cult of the Lamb

Elden Ring

Sims 4

Stardew Valley

Dead Rising Remaster

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

Dredge

Left 4 Dead 2

Moonring

Firewatch

Gris

Ghostrunner 2

Hades 2

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Papers, Please

Thirsty Suitors

Chants of Sennaar

Still Wakes the Deep

Venba

Inscryption

Kentucky Route Zero

Papa's Quiz

Mario Kart

Alba

Snipperclips

Layers of Fear

Final Fantasy XVI

Silent Hill 2

Thank Goodness You're Here

Rainbow Six Siege

Helldivers 2

Balatro


Emma:

World of Goo

Papers Please

Inside 

Gunpoint

Error 143

A Date with Death

Hades 2

PalWorld

Huniepop

Boyfriend Dungeon

El Paso Elsewhere

Dave the Diver

Moonring

Control

Farcry 5

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Lethal Company

Stardew valley

Sims

Mario Kart

Mario Party

Snipperclips

Alba

Kentucky Route Zero

Cult of the Lamb

Papa's Quiz

Tears of the Kingdom

Dead Cells

Valorant

The Finals

2XKO

Inscryption

Thank Goodness You're Here


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Oliver Booth: Crusader Kings 3 and chaos in the Conservative Party Oliver Booth: Crusader Kings 3 and chaos in the Conservative Party Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:00:00 GMT 53:19 66d860b69c7d98a7f8800bbb false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/oliver-booth-leveller 66d860b69c7d98a7f8800bbb 662689795dd0140012bec35b oliver-booth-leveller full 1 8 Why do the Tories choose bad leaders? Why are they so divided? And what role does ideology play? 


In this episode, we are joined by Oliver Booth, fellow PGR at the University of Leeds and researcher of the Conservative Party and British Politics. We talk to Oli about Crusader Kings 3 (vaguely) to discuss the path to power, party instability, factionalism, and much more!


Works mentioned: 


Booth, O. (2024). The Downfall of Boris Johnson: Analysing Patterns of Opinion among Conservative Parliamentarians in the Confidence Motion and Mass Resignations. Representation. 

Booth et al. (2023). Selecting Sunak: Conservative MPs’ Nomination Preferences in the (Second) British Conservative Party Leadership Election. Parliamentary Affairs. Volume 77, Issue 3, July 2024, pp.450–469.


Heppell, T. & Booth, O. (2023) The Conservative Party Leadership Election of 2016. In Roe-Crines, A. S. & Jeffery, D. (eds.) Statecraft: The Policies and Politics of Prime Minister Theresa May. (pp. 13-32). Cham: Springer International Publishing.


Find Oli here:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

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]]> Why do the Tories choose bad leaders? Why are they so divided? And what role does ideology play? 


In this episode, we are joined by Oliver Booth, fellow PGR at the University of Leeds and researcher of the Conservative Party and British Politics. We talk to Oli about Crusader Kings 3 (vaguely) to discuss the path to power, party instability, factionalism, and much more!


Works mentioned: 


Booth, O. (2024). The Downfall of Boris Johnson: Analysing Patterns of Opinion among Conservative Parliamentarians in the Confidence Motion and Mass Resignations. Representation. 

Booth et al. (2023). Selecting Sunak: Conservative MPs’ Nomination Preferences in the (Second) British Conservative Party Leadership Election. Parliamentary Affairs. Volume 77, Issue 3, July 2024, pp.450–469.


Heppell, T. & Booth, O. (2023) The Conservative Party Leadership Election of 2016. In Roe-Crines, A. S. & Jeffery, D. (eds.) Statecraft: The Policies and Politics of Prime Minister Theresa May. (pp. 13-32). Cham: Springer International Publishing.


Find Oli here:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Alba: What can Alba teach us about local activism as a response to environmental challenges? Alba: What can Alba teach us about local activism as a response to environmental challenges? Fri, 23 Aug 2024 08:00:02 GMT 49:58 66c74d560f3233b2d38cc1f3 false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/alba-activism 66c74d560f3233b2d38cc1f3 662689795dd0140012bec35b alba-activism full 1 7 In this episode, we discuss Ustwo’s 2020  Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, a heartwarming exploration game in which you play a young girl who documents wildlife and strives to save the local nature reserve from being replaced by a luxury hotel while visiting her grandparents. Join us as we explore what Alba has to say about the trade-offs between economic growth and environmentalism, the power of community action, and the role of young people in changing the world. 


Works mentioned:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, we discuss Ustwo’s 2020  Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, a heartwarming exploration game in which you play a young girl who documents wildlife and strives to save the local nature reserve from being replaced by a luxury hotel while visiting her grandparents. Join us as we explore what Alba has to say about the trade-offs between economic growth and environmentalism, the power of community action, and the role of young people in changing the world. 


Works mentioned:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Paul Geyer: What insights does "Watchdogs 2" offer into social media, data and democracy?]]> Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:01:00 GMT 1:00:42 66b37f9f129e9b2ef69553b7 false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/paul-geyer 66b37f9f129e9b2ef69553b7 662689795dd0140012bec35b paul-geyer full 1 6 What role does social media play in our lives? Is there life after data? And what does the future look like in a world where privacy is a luxury? 


In this episode, we welcome Paul Geyer, PGR at the University of Leeds, political theorist and five-a-side football star. We talk to Paul about Watchdogs 2 to discuss what happens to social media after data, neofeudalism and the challenges of privacy.


Works mentioned:

  • Arditi, D., 2023. Digital feudalism: Creators, credit, consumption, and capitalism. Emerald Publishing Limited: Bingley  
  • Soares, Ian Varela, Masaru Yarime, and Magdalena Klemun. "Balancing the trade-off between data center development and its environmental impacts: A comparative analysis of Data Center Policymaking in Singapore, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, USA, and the UK." Environmental Science & Policy 157 (2024): 103769.  
  • Srnicek, N., 2017. Platform capitalism. Polity Press: Cambridge. 
  • Unterberger, K. and Fuchs, C., 2021. The public service media and public service internet manifesto (p. 135). University of Westminster Press. 
  • Varoufakis, Y. 2023. Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism. Random House: London.  
  • Zuboff, S., 2019, January. Surveillance capitalism and the challenge of collective action. In New labor forum (Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 10-29). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.


Find Paul here:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What role does social media play in our lives? Is there life after data? And what does the future look like in a world where privacy is a luxury? 


In this episode, we welcome Paul Geyer, PGR at the University of Leeds, political theorist and five-a-side football star. We talk to Paul about Watchdogs 2 to discuss what happens to social media after data, neofeudalism and the challenges of privacy.


Works mentioned:

  • Arditi, D., 2023. Digital feudalism: Creators, credit, consumption, and capitalism. Emerald Publishing Limited: Bingley  
  • Soares, Ian Varela, Masaru Yarime, and Magdalena Klemun. "Balancing the trade-off between data center development and its environmental impacts: A comparative analysis of Data Center Policymaking in Singapore, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, USA, and the UK." Environmental Science & Policy 157 (2024): 103769.  
  • Srnicek, N., 2017. Platform capitalism. Polity Press: Cambridge. 
  • Unterberger, K. and Fuchs, C., 2021. The public service media and public service internet manifesto (p. 135). University of Westminster Press. 
  • Varoufakis, Y. 2023. Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism. Random House: London.  
  • Zuboff, S., 2019, January. Surveillance capitalism and the challenge of collective action. In New labor forum (Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 10-29). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.


Find Paul here:


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Papers, Please: Can bureaucracy accommodate morality? Papers, Please: Can bureaucracy accommodate morality? Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:00:50 GMT 52:55 6697d4467c668526005bf913 false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/papers-please-can-bureaucracy-accommodate-morality 6697d4467c668526005bf913 662689795dd0140012bec35b papers-please-can-bureaucracy-accommodate-morality full 1 5 In this podcast episode, we delve into "Papers, Please," the 2013 simulation game which immerses players in the role of an immigration officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. Through its gameplay mechanics and narrative, we examine the moral dilemmas faced by bureaucrats tasked with enforcing strict border control policies. Join us as we explore whether bureaucratic systems can uphold moral values amidst the complexities of governance and individual decision-making.


Works mentioned:

  • Cabellos, B., Pozo, J.I., Marín-Rubio, K. and Sánchez, D.L., 2022. Do pro-social video games promote moral activity?: an analysis of user reviews of Papers, Please. Education and Information Technologies, 27(8), pp.11411-11442. 
  • Kelly, M., 2018. The game of politics: Examining the role of work, play, and subjectivity formation in papers, please. Games and Culture, 13(5), pp.459-478.  
  • Morrissette, J., 2017. Glory to Arstotzka: Morality, rationality, and the iron cage of bureaucracy in Papers, Please. Game Studies, 17(1). 
  • Yee, N., 2006. The labor of fun: How video games blur the boundaries of work and play. Games and culture, 1(1), pp.68-71. 


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this podcast episode, we delve into "Papers, Please," the 2013 simulation game which immerses players in the role of an immigration officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. Through its gameplay mechanics and narrative, we examine the moral dilemmas faced by bureaucrats tasked with enforcing strict border control policies. Join us as we explore whether bureaucratic systems can uphold moral values amidst the complexities of governance and individual decision-making.


Works mentioned:

  • Cabellos, B., Pozo, J.I., Marín-Rubio, K. and Sánchez, D.L., 2022. Do pro-social video games promote moral activity?: an analysis of user reviews of Papers, Please. Education and Information Technologies, 27(8), pp.11411-11442. 
  • Kelly, M., 2018. The game of politics: Examining the role of work, play, and subjectivity formation in papers, please. Games and Culture, 13(5), pp.459-478.  
  • Morrissette, J., 2017. Glory to Arstotzka: Morality, rationality, and the iron cage of bureaucracy in Papers, Please. Game Studies, 17(1). 
  • Yee, N., 2006. The labor of fun: How video games blur the boundaries of work and play. Games and culture, 1(1), pp.68-71. 


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Emily Gee: What insights does "The Last of Us Part II" provide about the identities and dynamics of perpetrators and victims of violence?]]> Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:00:11 GMT 51:19 66794ef87e9b353ae2ae493c false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/emily-gee 66794ef87e9b353ae2ae493c 662689795dd0140012bec35b emily-gee full 1 4 What is legitimate violence for women? How does emotion guide gendered violence? And who gets to tell women's stories?


In this episode, we welcome our friend and scholar Emily Gee, PGR at the University of Leeds. She uses The Last of Us Part II to explore her powerful research on peacekeeper sexual violence, touching on themes of agency, conflict and insecurity.


Works mentioned:

  • Beyond Mothers, Monsters, Whores: Thinking about Women's Violence in Global Politics - Caron E. Gentry, Laura Sjoberg (2015)
  • Just add women and stir? - Sahana Dharmapuri (2011)
  • The Continuum of Sexual Violence; in Women, Violence and Social Control - Liz Kelly (1987)
  • On Intersectionality - Kimberly Crenshaw (2017)
  • UN Resolution 1325


Find Emily here:



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What is legitimate violence for women? How does emotion guide gendered violence? And who gets to tell women's stories?


In this episode, we welcome our friend and scholar Emily Gee, PGR at the University of Leeds. She uses The Last of Us Part II to explore her powerful research on peacekeeper sexual violence, touching on themes of agency, conflict and insecurity.


Works mentioned:

  • Beyond Mothers, Monsters, Whores: Thinking about Women's Violence in Global Politics - Caron E. Gentry, Laura Sjoberg (2015)
  • Just add women and stir? - Sahana Dharmapuri (2011)
  • The Continuum of Sexual Violence; in Women, Violence and Social Control - Liz Kelly (1987)
  • On Intersectionality - Kimberly Crenshaw (2017)
  • UN Resolution 1325


Find Emily here:



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Stardew Valley: How well does Stardew Valley function as a critique of capitalism, harmful environmental practice, and community? Stardew Valley: How well does Stardew Valley function as a critique of capitalism, harmful environmental practice, and community? Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:00:28 GMT 52:28 6669b70fefa053001196f762 false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/stardew-valley-how-well-does-stardew-valley-function-as-a-cr 6669b70fefa053001196f762 662689795dd0140012bec35b stardew-valley-how-well-does-stardew-valley-function-as-a-cr full 1 3 What does Stardew Valley have to say about corporations? How does it encourage us to think about and interact with the environment? And is community romanticised in Stardew Valley?


In this episode, we discuss Eric Barone's 'cosy game' Stardew Valley, a farming simulator which grapples with how to live well in a difficult world. Join us as we explore these themes and ask ourselves how well Stardew Valley functions as a critique of capitalism.


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What does Stardew Valley have to say about corporations? How does it encourage us to think about and interact with the environment? And is community romanticised in Stardew Valley?


In this episode, we discuss Eric Barone's 'cosy game' Stardew Valley, a farming simulator which grapples with how to live well in a difficult world. Join us as we explore these themes and ask ourselves how well Stardew Valley functions as a critique of capitalism.


Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ged Hiscoke: What can Deus Ex: Mankind Divided tell us about discrimination, civil unrest, and reintegration? Ged Hiscoke: What can Deus Ex: Mankind Divided tell us about discrimination, civil unrest, and reintegration? Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:00:31 GMT 45:00 665dced69b516d0011d9fa5a false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/ged-hiscoke-what-can-deus-ex-mankind-divided-tell-us-about-d 665dced69b516d0011d9fa5a 662689795dd0140012bec35b ged-hiscoke-what-can-deus-ex-mankind-divided-tell-us-about-d full 1 2 What role does employment play in rebuilding after conflict? Can you do peace without justice? And what gets in the way of reintegration ?


In this episode, we welcome our friend and colleague Ged Hiscoke, PGR at the University of Leeds. He explores Deus Ex: Mankind Divided through the lens of his fascinating research on the role of employment in preventing conflict.



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What role does employment play in rebuilding after conflict? Can you do peace without justice? And what gets in the way of reintegration ?


In this episode, we welcome our friend and colleague Ged Hiscoke, PGR at the University of Leeds. He explores Deus Ex: Mankind Divided through the lens of his fascinating research on the role of employment in preventing conflict.



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Night in the Woods: What does it tell us about alienation, nostalgia and deindustrialisation? Night in the Woods: What does it tell us about alienation, nostalgia and deindustrialisation? Fri, 24 May 2024 08:00:55 GMT 52:34 664f82a9d73ed10012a9ab76 false https://shows.acast.com/leveller/episodes/night-in-the-woods-what-does-it-tell-us-about-alienation-nos 664f82a9d73ed10012a9ab76 662689795dd0140012bec35b night-in-the-woods-what-does-it-tell-us-about-alienation-nos full 1 1 What role does resentment play in shaping our political choices? Why might the left behind be nostalgic, even for a past that never existed? And why might someone turn to sacrificing the young to a demonic Black Goat in order to save a dying town?


Join us as we discuss Night in the Woods in an attempt to try to answer these questions and more!



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What role does resentment play in shaping our political choices? Why might the left behind be nostalgic, even for a past that never existed? And why might someone turn to sacrificing the young to a demonic Black Goat in order to save a dying town?


Join us as we discuss Night in the Woods in an attempt to try to answer these questions and more!



Write to us! - levellerpodcast@gmail.com

Avatars by MostlyPixels / Lunaii @ https://www.avatarsinpixels.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>