Tracking Learning Resources in a Competitive Gaming Community

Sean Duncan

Abstract

The present study reports on a case of “games with learning” -- or understanding the ways learning practices evolve and are employed within authentic gaming practice -- via a study of the identity resources (Nasir & Cooks, 2009) used by participants in a competitive gaming community. Focusing on player practice within the competitive card game Android: Netrunner, I describe the design practices employed by a top-level player, Simon (a pseudonym). Analysis uncovers that Simon's approach to deck design and deck building in the competitive game reflects a sophisticate melding of material, relational, and ideational resources (Nasir & Cooks, 2009). Further research is argued to tease out the ways that motivated, authentic game practices such as these drive learning with games in the "wild."