Emily Morris

From Game to Play to Beyond: Queering as Transformative Tabletop Role-Playing.

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have been steadily growing in popularity since their common predecessor, Dungeons & Dragons, was published in 1974. However, the subject of queerness is one that has historically been missing from most published TTRPG source material and academic literature. Such research that does look at queerness in TTRPGs overwhelmingly focuses on issues of representation, which, while relevant, is not all that the intersection of TTRPGs and queerness may offer. Queerness represented in published game content through character examples and allowances are sorely needed (even still), but even heteronormative games may be queered through transformative acts of play. Transformation may not only occur from game to play, but beyond both to new selves and other transformative works. This is following question that Emily’s PhD research aims to explore: how might queer play transform and transcend TTRPGs?

Emily’s research draws from the research paradigm of queer game studies (Shaw & Ruberg, 2017) alongside lenses of queer theory and fan studies. Using a grounded theory ethnography methodology and a qualitative research into design perspective, this PhD in Design has the potential to reveal many insights and contributions; from new knowledge around the concept of queering as both a form of play and transformation, to more complex understandings of TTRPG play as a form of queer identity exploration. Additionally, it promises to deliver new ways of thinking about TTRPGs not just as products of design, but as products for design and identity exploration.

Emily’s research interests involve the intersections of (game) design, identity, play, queer theory, fan studies, and transformative works. She has worked at Te Kura Hoahoa—School of Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington as a teaching fellow, tutor, and graphic designer, alongside freelance graphic design work. She is also a member of the VUW Rainbow Research Network.

Supervisors

Dr Nadia Pantidi, School of Design Innovation
Dylan Horrocks, School of Design Innovation
Dr Zach Dodson, School of Design Innovation

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor of Design Innovation
Master of Design Innovation, Awarded with Distinction

Academic Awards

2018 Victoria Excellence Scholarship
2023 Wellington Doctoral Scholarship