Towards a cultural science of videogames: evolutionary social learning

Abstract

This paper outlines a cultural science approach to videogames. Using the example of the independently developed Minecraft , we examine the dimensions of social learning involved in playing videogames that are characterised by relatively unscripted gaming environments. We argue that a cultural science approach offers an analytic framework grounded in evolutionary externalism, social learning and emergent institutions. We develop this framework by proposing a multiple games model of social learning.