Intra-acting bio-object: A posthuman approach to the player–game relation

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to explore how posthuman values and premises can change the approach to video game research, in terms of reframing the relation between game and player as a meaning-making process. The idea of the bio-object, which originated in Tadeusz Kantor’s avant-garde theatre, is introduced and reread in the context of the critical posthumanism and new materialism of Karen Barad, especially her concept of intra-action. By meshing together Kantor’s and Barad’s ideas, a framework is developed for conceptualizing the bond between the player and the video game object, pointing out how their constant rivalry is not only resolved in meaning-generative tension, but also intra-actively shapes their ontic borders. The game and the player become equal in this new unity, and the video game object stops being perceived as a secondary to the player and can be analysed as the equal partner in this relation.