iDTV Gamers: The Emergence of a New Community?

Abstract

If digital games are to continue to grown as important cultural form they must move into new platforms and environments that appeal to a broader cultural demographic. Interactive Digital TV (iDTV) is developing rapidly in Europe and is providing platforms where games are popular among communities quite unlike the traditional PC or console gamer. In addition, communication is becoming possible through multi-player games, TV based mail, chat, message boards and leader boards which show the scores of the top players. This paper looks at the development of iDTV games, the current gamers, and explores the issues surrounding their relationship to traditional television, games, and the family.