Digital Narratives: Video Games in Literary Studies

Intersection of video games and literary studies.Jason Boyd and Patrick Dolan from the Playable Stories: Unarchived podcast discuss their innovative approach to integrating video games into literary studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. They explore the Playable Stories Archive, a resource designed to help educators incorporate narrative-rich games into their courses, and explain the distinction between games that are archived for direct teaching use and those featured on the Unarchived podcast for broader discussion. The episode covers the dynamics of their podcast team, insights into the production process using Discord, and the importance of making gaming accessible and relevant in academic contexts. Their conversation offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of video games in education and the collaborative efforts behind their podcast.Episode Links:Jason Boyd: LinkedIn Patrick Dolan: LinkedIn Unarchived Podcast – Stories in Play Playable Stories Archive Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionNeil and Jen introduce guests Patrick Dolan and Jason Boyd from the Playable Stories: Unarchived podcast.(00:02:55) Backgrounds and BeginningsPatrick and Jason share their roles and academic background in video game studies.(00:03:46) Early Gaming ExperiencesEarly experiences with video games and how those experiences influenced their academic paths.(00:06:46) The Playable Stories Archive InitiativeOverview of the Playable Stories Archive and its purpose in integrating video games into literary studies.(00:10:22) The Playable Stories: Unarchived PodcastHow the podcast discusses games that might not fit into traditional teaching models.(00:13:41) Distinction Between Archived and Unarchived GamesThe difference between games featured in the Playable Stories Archive and Unarchived podcasts.(00:15:08) Audience and Goals of the PodcastThe primary audience as educators and scholars interested in game studies.(00:17:13) Narrative Approach in the PodcastThe significance of using a narrative approach to discuss the games featured on the podcast.(00:19:30) Team Dynamics and Production ProcessThe roles within the podcast team and the collaborative nature of producing the episodes.(00:23:24) Lessons Learned and Best PracticesThe importance of a sustainable schedule and collaborative flexibility.(00:25:21) Recording and Technical SetupThe unique use of Discord for recording podcast episodes and managing audio tracks.(00:29:23) The Importance of Accessible GamingThe value of including non-violent, accessible games in academic courses to reach a wider audience of students.(00:30:43) Conclusion (00:00) - Introduction (02:55) - Backgrounds and Beginnings (03:46) - Early Gaming Experiences (06:46) - The Playable Stories Archive Initiative (10:22) - The Playable Stories: Unarchived Podcast (13:41) - Distinction Between Archived and Unarchived Games (15:08) - Audience and Goals of the Podcast (17:13) - Narrative Approach in the Podcast (19:30) - Team Dynamics and Production Process (23:24) - Lessons Learned and Best Practices (25:21) - Recording and Technical Setup (29:23) - The Importance of Accessible Gaming (30:43) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing