Welcome to the Game Studies community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

Call For Papers

The Game Studies area of the National Popular Culture Association and the American Culture Association Conference invites proposals for papers and panels on games and game studies for the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association National Conference to be held on April 8-11, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. The deadline for proposals is November 30th.

I. Topics of Interest

The organizers seek proposals and papers covering all aspects of gaming, gaming culture and game studies. Proposals can address any game medium (computer, social, console, tabletop, etc.) and all theoretical and methodological approaches are welcome.

Possible topics include but are not limited to:

·       new game mediums and platforms

·       representation or performance of race, class, gender and sexuality in games

·       gaming culture, game specific cultures, and multicultural and cross-cultural issues

·       game development, design, authorship and other industry issues

·       game advertising, reviews, packaging, promotion, integrated marketing and other commercial concerns

·       political and legal entailments such as regulation, censorship, intellectual property

·       player-generated content

·       game genres, platforms, consoles, console wars and connections to other media

·       serious games for education, business, healthcare, (military) training, etc.

·       space and place in games, play spaces, virtual/physical communities, mobile gaming and localization

·       digital literacy, discourse practices, social norms and norming, the politics of play

·       public discourse/controversy over violence, militarism, sex, criminality, racism, etc. in games

·       game pedagogy and classroom practices, gamification, learning as play

II. Submission Process

The Game Studies area of the National Popular Culture Association and the American Culture Association Conference, which began as the Video Games Studies area in 2003, has the most enduring footprint of any North American academic organization that gives serious attention to the social and cultural impact of games and gaming. The area continues to grow and offers two avenues for scholars to participate and present their work.

A. Paper Proposals

For individual paper proposal submissions, please submit a 250-word (maximum) abstract.

B. Panel Proposals

For panel submissions, please submit a 250-word (maximum) panel abstract, as well as 100-word abstracts for each individual presentation. Panel proposals must be emailed to the area chairs. Be sure to include the proposed title of the panel, the organizer’s name, affiliation, mailing address, and email, as well as this information for all panelists. 

III. Information about the Conference

A. So that there will be ample time for discussion, each individual paper presentation should be designed to last approximately twelve to fifteen minutes (there will typically be four presentations per session with time for Q&A).

B. Technology for use during presentations may be limited. More information about the conference can be found at  http://www.pcaaca.org/

C. Presenters will be required to join the Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association prior to attending the conference, as well as pay a registration fee for the conference. 

D. Awards and Travel Grants are offered, on a competitive basis, by the National Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association

IV. Contact Information

Questions and concerns should be directed to one or all of the area chairs listed below. One can also visit our Facebook page or request admission to our Discord to discuss possible panel topics or for things like organizing room sharing.

Matthew Wysocki, Department of Communication,

Flagler College  mwysocki@flagler.edu

Steffi Shook, Communication and Media,

Manhattanville College  steffi.shook@mville.edu

Important Dates to Remember:

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Dec. 31, 2025
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 1, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 31, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 1, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026