Playing the Calm

A short break to talk about gēmu and slow gaming

recent posts

  • The end of summer

    The end of summer

    This summer, I had the chance to play “Boku no Natsuyasumi.” This game was the main reason I started researching video games about childhood and Japan, particularly those with a cozy and slow-paced feel. The original game, which was released in the 2000s, was never officially localized, so the only language available was Japanese 🇯🇵. However, thanks to a fan-made Spanish translation, I was able to play it in my native language. Futhermore, I’ve been playing it following another player’s recommendation: one day in real life (play time) equals one day in the game (game time). In other words, I only play Boku no Natsuyasumi’s August days during my own August 📅. I found that this method made the in-game atmosphere feel more authentic. It’s why I felt so sad when Boku’s father came to get us on August 31st 😭.

    While trying to compose myself, I wrote these words, along with the ones for a future book. There’s no rush to finish this personal project, though, because I’m intentionally “playing the calm”.

  • August is here!

    August is here!

    August is the best month for a researcher, not only for the holidays but also for the free time it provides for scientific dissemination. I officially started this project in September 2023, when I had the opportunity to do my International Stay in Kyoto 🇯🇵. Since then, I’ve continued to work on this research line because I enjoy playing and analyzing slow and cozy games, especially those focused on childhood and teenhood in Japan.

    I decided to continue working on this even though there are magnificent and international researchers studying all about relaxing games. I don’t ignore their findings; in fact, I use them as my theoretical framework. So, please, don’t cite me when there are many (and senior) people who have come before me 🤔. As I said, my main focus within this huge line of research in Game Studies is to observe Japanese video games where I, as a player, embody a child or a teen protagonist. What is my agency as a kid in a (generally) calm ludofictional world?

    August is the best month to start this virtual space because it’s the time when most “Bokunatsu” and “Bokunatsulikes” stories begin. Characters like Boku, Satoru, or Shin-chan are just a few examples of protagonists who start a summer adventure ☀️. What do I mean by “Bokunatsulike”? Well, you’ll find the answer in this blog and in my published papers. I invite you to explore this space and discover all about childhood in Japanese fictional worlds!

    These days, I’m playing Boku no Natsuyasumi for the very first time, on its 2006 PSP version. This is possible thanks to fans who have translated this exclusive Japanese game into Spanish, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity to play as Boku in Yamanashi myself. So, I’m saying goodbye now because I have a lot of errands to run. My relatives want me to learn how to work on the farm.

    Bye-bye!