Videogames and Ideological Frames

Abstract

Based on cognitive linguist George Lakoff's notions of metaphor and frame as the principle organizers of political discourse, this article offers an approach to analyzing political rhetoric in videogames intended to carry ideological bias. I then argue for 3 ways games function in relation to ideological frames—reinforcement, contestation, and exposition—through examples of political games (Tax Invaders), art games (Vigilance 1.0), and commercial games (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas). I also offer thoughts on issues likely to arise from the hypothetical adoption of political frame and metaphor as design principles.