Home / Journal Publications / Wither Mario Factory? The Role of Tools in Constructing (Co)Creative Possibilities on Video Game Consoles

Wither Mario Factory? The Role of Tools in Constructing (Co)Creative Possibilities on Video Game Consoles

Games and Culture Cover

Games and Culture Cover

Abstract:
This article examines the role that game development tools have in the design and creation of video games. It does so through the lens of a series of patents by Nintendo that outlined the technological foundations for a truly (co)creative production platform for games. Game development tools shape and are shaped by the kinds of games they are used to produce as well as the underlying technologies of game consoles. The roles, sites, and means by which users are allowed to or encouraged to engage with (co)creative tools significantly impacts the kinds of interventions users may make. The article makes the argument that tools, like Mario Factory, form a technological foundation for (co)creation, participatory design, and convergence at a level that differs significantly from the current forms.

Get It (You can also contact me directly…):
Sage Journals

Citation:
O’Donnell, C. (2013). Wither Mario Factory? The Role of Tools in Constructing (Co)Creative Possibilities on Videogame Consoles. Games and Culture, 8(3), 161-180. doi:10.1177/1555412013493132

Pre-review Text:
 Mario Factory RnR Final Formatted

About Casey O'Donnell

Casey O'Donnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University. He is part of the games faculty and Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) lab at MSU. He is also part of the game development collective Affinity Games. His research examines the creative collaborative work of videogame design and development. This research examines the cultural and collaborative dynamics that occur in both professional "AAA" organizations and formal and informal "independent" game development communities. His research has spanned game development companies from the United States to India. His research examines issues of work, production, copyright, as well as third world and postcolonial aspects of the videogame development workplace.

12 comments

  1. Casey,
    I’m in your Cousera class, “Business of Games and Entrepreneurship” and would like to get a copy of your article “Wither Mario Factory”.

  2. Hi Casey,

    Could I also get a copy please? I’m taking Business of Games and Entrepreneurship currently.

    Many thanks,

    Adam

  3. Hi Cassey, I’m taking the Business of Games and Entrepreneurship course on Coursera, I was wondering if I could get a copy of the “Wither Mario Factory” article.

    Thanks.

    David.

  4. Hey, I’m in your courser class too. Can I get a copy of the article?

  5. Danielle Jadusingh

    Hey can I get a copy of the paper. I am also on coursera doing the course on Business and games.
    Thanks you.

  6. I am also in the coursera course and would like a copy of the article to read.

    Thanks,

    John

  7. Hi Casey,
    Would you please send me a copy of your article “Wither Mario Factory”? I am taking your Business of Games and Entrepreneurship class.
    Thank you
    April

  8. Hi Casey,
    I’m in your Cousera class, “Business of Games and Entrepreneurship” and would like to get a copy of your article “Wither Mario Factory”. Can you please send a copy to my mailbox?

    Thank you, Amir

  9. Hi Casey,

    I’m also taking the Business of Games course, could I get a copy of this article?

    Best,
    Annabel

  10. Casey,

    Same here, Coursera student.
    Im taking Business of Games and Entrepeneurship. Would you please grant me a copy of your article?

  11. Hi Casey
    I’m in the specialization Game Designer and Development and concluded your “Principle of Game Designer” class and get painfully in you “BGE” class and want to know if you can send me one shirt of gamedev?
    thanks

  12. Hi Casey,
    I’m in your Cousera class, “Business of Games and Entrepreneurship” and would like to get a copy of your article “Wither Mario Factory”.

    Regards ,

Scroll To Top