Learning through collaboration: video game wikis

Barr, M. (2014) Learning through collaboration: video game wikis. International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments, 2(2), pp. 119-133. (doi: 10.1504/IJSMILE.2014.063385)

Abstract

The wiki, wherein community-spirited players meticulously document their gaming experiences for the benefit of others, from simple guides to complex theories and strategies, has become the de facto online reference medium for video game players. This study sought to examine how players learn from one another about the systems that underpin their favourite games and how they engaged with social media – wikis, in particular – to facilitate this collaborative learning. It is argued that in collating, synthesizing and disseminating the often complex behaviours observed in a modern video game, the wiki author is displaying academic proficiency in a non-academic field. Drawing on a series of interviews with gaming wiki contributors and users, the practices of those engaged in using gaming wikis are discussed, together with an account of the research methods used. In undertaking such research, a number of challenges and concerns were encountered: these, too, are described.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: video games, wikis, collaborative learning, game-based learning, social media, learning environments, research methods, video game research, dark souls, meta-game
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barr, Dr Matthew
• Authors: Barr, M.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies
• Journal Name: International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments
• Journal Abbr.: IJSMILE
• Publisher: Inderscience
• ISSN: 2050-3954
• ISSN (Online): 2050-3962
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments 2(2):119-133
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher