'Even if the algorithm is a terrible workmate, you just need to learn to live with it’: Perceptions of data analytics among game industry professionals

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

The digital game industry has actively integrated data-driven methods into its core processes. This interview-based study shows how game industry professionals perceive the role of data as part of their everyday work. Analysing the data-related notions and negotiations helps to explicate how mainstream data imaginaries are both reproduced and challenged in the different phases and contexts of game making. The analysis is divided into the following themes: data is everywhere, data is messy, data is constructed and data redefines creativity. The qualitative inquiry shows how the meaning of game data cannot be reduced to individual metrics or analytics services, or new positions like data analysts. Data-driven development is based on particular values and assumptions, and it creates new practices, working cultures and conflicting forms of agency.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)558-576
Number of pages19
JournalEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CULTURAL STUDIES
Volume27
Issue number4
Early online date13 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Data analytics
  • Data work
  • Data-driven development
  • Datafication
  • Game industry
  • Game production

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 2

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