Dataspelsarvet - klassiker och kanonisering
This master thesis deals with computer game classics and a possible computer game canon. It looks closer at four computer game genres - adventure, RPG, action and strategy - in order to discern which games are considered classics and what characterizes them. To answer the first question a quantitative research method was used. 675 computer game reviews from 5 Internetsites were examined in order to see which games are mentioned most often in this context and therefore might be considered classics. To answer the second question a qualitative research method was used. Computer game reviews were once again the source of information, but this time they were used to see what special characteristics were inherent in the aforementioned classic games. Combining the results from the study with a further discussion about computer games gave 6 criteria for a classic computer game: 1 It should be based on an original concept; 2 It should be characterized by detail and realism; 3 It should form the basis for a series of two or more games; 4 It should be released several times, in original or new form; 5 It should be cloned by other game developers; 6 It should be mentioned often in computer game reviews. Furthermore, borrowing theories from the literary field, the thesis takes a closer look at canon formation in the computer game field. It asks whether or not it is possible to speak of canon formation when it comes to computer games, and if it is indeed possible - what shape does that canon take? Are there any differences from or similarities to the literary canon? Supported by Virgil Nemoianus canon theory, the thesis states that there is indeed a canon formation within the computer game field, but that it differs in many aspects from the literary canon. Finally, an eye is cast at the future and the possibilities that awaits the computer canon there.