#civic space

[digitaldiscussions]

Social Gaming: a civic and political domain? (Week 8)

The world of online and offline gaming is not normally linked to the civic and political domain, or greater sociological studies. Often thought of as a form of leisure or fun, gaming is yet to be taken seriously as a form of entertainment that is intrinsically linked to mainstream issues. Despite this, Taylor argues that gaming is an important aspect of the ‘media and socio technical landscape’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11)

Gaming has undergone significant changes across recent decades. Initially concerned with ‘arcades’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4) and ‘home concelse machines’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4), gaming evolved into ‘internet gaming’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4) whereby ‘multiplayer connections’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4) became available, creating a more ‘competitive space’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4). Currently, gaming has been transformed into a ‘televisual’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4) activity with the ‘core of its growth’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4) vested in ‘live streaming’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 4). 

Liver streaming is an incredibly popular aspect of the current gaming landscape. At its core, live streaming enables a participant or player to ‘broadcast’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 3) their game to many people ‘watching’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 10) through online platforms such as ‘Twitch’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 3) and ‘Youtube’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 3), straight from their own homes. Through these platforms, other players can use ‘chat’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11) features to communicate with the player or can even play ‘alongside’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6) them. Essentially, live streaming enables gamers to ‘transform their private play into public entertainment’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6). 

However, live stream gaming provides social benefits to its audiences as well. People watching along a live stream are able to become ‘integrated into the show’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6) through chatting with the broadcaster about the game itself or ‘everyday life’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6). Live streaming has evolved from initially just broadcasting a streamer playing a game to creating a ‘new form of entertainment’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 9) whereby ‘gameplay, humor, commentary’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 9) are all a part of the experience. Now, live streaming offers players an ‘opportunity to build audiences’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6) around their own gameplay that share similar ‘interests’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6). Thus, through live streaming, gaming has become a social and interactive phenomenon whereby gamers and audience members alike can use a game to form social connections. 

Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, gaming offers an opportunity for people to interact in the civil and political domain. As identified by Taylor, gaming is a form of ‘leisure’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11), often used to come home and ‘tune out from the real world’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11). However, gaming is becoming a space frequently used for civic and political discussion. Players are ‘regularly encountering’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11) people from ‘outside their own social worlds’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 11), such as ‘race, sexuality and social identity’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 12). Moreover, the games themselves are becoming increasingly politicised with ‘companies, policies and laws’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 12) addressing issues from ‘intellectual property to standards of behaviour’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 12). This has led to the world of gaming becoming a ‘politically infused space’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 12) rather than an solely entertainment space. As highlighted by Taylor, gaming has become a platform whereby ‘important political and critical conversations’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 13) regarding civic and political life are shared. This is due to the relative connection shared between streamer and audience and the lack of corporate structure within this relationship - streamers broadcast their streams from their own ‘private lives’ (Taylor 2018, pg. 6).

Ultimately, gaming provides an important social space for players and audience members alike to connect and communicate with one another. Through the relative connection live streaming affords its participants, gaming has become a civic space. 

References:

Taylor, TL 2018, ‘Broadcasting ourselves’ (chapter 1), in Watch Me Play: Twitch and the Rise of Game Live Streaming, Princeton University Press, pp.1-23

[geoxx-carrboro]

The Civic Space of the Interface

Democracy, Deliberation, and the Fate of the Public Square -An examination of how generative AI reshapes democratic life by fragmenting shared reality, accelerating discourse beyond institutional response, and transforming the architecture of the public sphere — while arguing that civic design, not technology alone, will determine democracy’s durability. In earlier essays, we examined how…

The Civic Space of the Interface

[asestimationsconsultants]

Bigge Park

Introduction

Bigge Park is a historic public park located in the heart of Liverpool, New South Wales, and stands as one of the city’s most important green and civic spaces. Positioned near Liverpool’s central business district, the park has long served as a place for community gathering, relaxation, and public events. With its open lawns, mature trees, and heritage features, Bigge Park reflects Liverpool’s early planning and ongoing commitment to preserving public open space within an urban environment.

Introduction

Historical Background

Bigge Park dates back to the early 19th century and is closely associated with the founding of Liverpool as one of Australia’s earliest planned towns. Named after John Thomas Bigge, a British judge and royal commissioner, the park occupies land that was originally set aside for civic use. Over time, it became a focal point for public life, hosting ceremonies, celebrations, and gatherings that shaped the social development of the town. Its long history gives the park a strong sense of continuity and heritage value.

Heritage and Monuments

One of the defining features of Bigge Park is its collection of monuments and memorials that commemorate important events and individuals. These include war memorials and commemorative plaques that honor local service members and reflect broader national history. The presence of these monuments adds cultural and historical depth to the park, transforming it into a space of remembrance as well as recreation. The careful preservation of these elements highlights the park’s role as a living historical site.

Landscape and Design

Bigge Park is characterized by wide grassy areas, established trees, and formal pathways that create a calm and welcoming environment. The park’s layout reflects traditional town planning principles, emphasizing symmetry, accessibility, and openness. Shaded seating areas provide places for rest and reflection, while open lawns allow for informal recreation. This balance of structure and natural beauty makes the park suitable for both quiet enjoyment and community activities.

Community and Civic Use

The park plays a central role in Liverpool’s civic and community life. It regularly hosts public events, cultural celebrations, markets, and commemorative ceremonies. Its central location makes it a convenient meeting place for residents, workers, and visitors. Bigge Park also provides a green retreat for people seeking a break from the surrounding urban landscape, reinforcing its importance as a shared public space that supports social interaction and community well-being.

Accessibility and Urban Context

Bigge Park is easily accessible due to its location near public transport, shopping areas, and civic buildings. Its proximity to Liverpool’s main streets ensures high visibility and frequent use throughout the day. The park’s integration into the urban fabric of the city highlights the value of incorporating green spaces into town centers, offering environmental and social benefits alongside commercial and residential development.

Environmental and Social Value

As an urban green space, Bigge Park contributes to environmental sustainability by providing tree cover, improving air quality, and supporting urban biodiversity. Socially, it promotes health and well-being by encouraging outdoor activity, relaxation, and community connection. These combined benefits make the park an essential asset for Liverpool, enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit the city.

Conclusion

Bigge Park remains a symbol of Liverpool’s history, civic pride, and community spirit. Through its heritage significance, landscaped design, and role as a public gathering place, the park continues to serve generations of residents and visitors. As Liverpool evolves, Bigge Park stands as a reminder of the city’s origins and the enduring importance of accessible public spaces within urban life.

[humanrightsday]

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedom of Association: The double helix of civic space and labour rights.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedom of Association: The double helix of civic space and labour rights

ILO and OHCHR are organizing an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the ILO Freedom o

ILO and OHCHR are organizing an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87). The event aims to inspire more decisive action to preserve and expand both human and labour rights. It will celebrate the contributions of the OHCHR and of the ILO and its tripartite constituents to the promotion of Freedom of Association and related civil liberties for the protection of civic space.

[internationalwomenday]

Solutions to strengthen civic space and women’s digital rights: Addressing the pushback against gender equality.

In line with the priority theme of CSW67 focusing on technology and gender equality, UN Women is convening a high-level side event in collaboration with The Feminist Movement and Leadership and Gender-Based Violence. The side event will be a 75-minute, in-person event.

PANEL DISCUSSiON on Solutions to strengthen civic space and women’s digital rights: Addressing the pushback against gender equality. 13 March 2023, 1.15–2.30pm EDT, Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters.

 Registration is required. The event will be webcast UN Web TV.

REGISTRATION FORM: "Solutions to Strengthen Civic Space and Women’s Digital Rights: Addressing the Pushback Against Gender Equality"

CSW67 SIDE EVENT 13 March 2023 1:15pm - 2:30pm UN Secretariat Building Conference Room 8

[premimtimes]

Security, Civic Space and the Media, By Cheta Nwanze

Security, Civic Space and the Media, By Cheta Nwanze

The civic space first needs to be consistent in its approach and sensitise the public on pressing issues before getting them to effect changes. The media is the channel through which this can be done effectively, which makes partnership between the media and civil society groups even more important.   The pen is mightier than the sword. There are not many truer sayings. The sword will kill a man…

View On WordPress

[ourwitching]

Yesterday, we published a list with the most viewed legal research reports of fiscal year 2020. Tod...

[ourwitching]

Yesterday, we published a list with the most viewed legal research reports of fiscal year 2020. Tod...