Digital Game Theory and Practice (and More)
Nathan Garrelts, Ph.D
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI 48710
Email: nategarrelts@gmail.com
Phone: 989-964-4032
 



I am an Associate Professor of English at Saginaw Valley State University where I teach various media and culture themed writing classes (among other courses). While I have spent much time doing administrative and grant work, I am most passionate about my research which centers on new media, especially digital games.

I also often use my technology and grant writing skills to help community organizations. Currently, I am using GIS to study American music organizations. This project is especially interesting to me because in my private time I play mandolin with the bluegrass band Easy Idle and serve on the board of the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association.
Click here for my Curriculum Vita.
Click here to visit the American Music Project



A list of the 19 best web based games.
1
Fly Guy
http://www.trevorvanmeter.com/flyguy/
2
Darfur is Dying
http://www.darfurisdying.com/
3
Line Rider
http://linerider.com/en/node/365244
4
Chimgam
http://www.mikewang.org/images/chimgam9.swf
5
Death Row
http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/death-row/
6
The Last Stand
http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/the-last-stand/
7
Cockroach Dream
http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/cockroach-dream/
8
Puzzle Farter
http://www.bestgamesland.com/games/PuzzleFarter.php
9
Body Ladder
http://thebestarcadegames.com/arcade/body-ladder-game.html
10
Portal
http://uploads.ungrounded.net/404000/404612_Portal.swf
11
Yeti Sports
http://www.yetisports.org/en/online_login.php
12
Crimson Room
http://www.fasco-csc.com/works/crimson/crimson_e.php
13
Duck Hunt
http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/duck-hunt/
14
Flash-Bert
http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/qbert/
15
Presidential Paintball
http://www.bestgamesland.com/games/PresidentialPaintball.php
16
Happy Bounce
http://www.neopets.com/games/play.phtml?game_id=368
17
Tactical Assassin
http://www.freegameshype.com/tactical-assassin-substratum.htm
18
Amorphous
http://www.kongregate.com/games/innocuousGames/amorphous
19
American Dad VS Family Guy
http://www.freegameshype.com/american-dad-vs-family-guy-kung-fu-ii.htm
 


The Meaning and Culture of Grand Theft Auto: Critical Essays (2006)
The immensely popular Grand Theft Auto game series has inspired a range of reactions among players and commentators, and a hot debate in the popular media. These essays from diverse theoretical perspectives expand the discussion by focusing scholarly analysis on the games, particularly Grand Theft Auto III (GTA3), Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (GTA:VC), and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (GTA:SA).


Digital Gameplay: Essays on the Nexus of Game and Gamer (2005)
In recent years, computer technology has permeated all aspects of life—not just work and education, but also leisure time. Increasingly, digital games are the way we play. This volume addresses the world of digital games, with special emphasis on the role and input of the gamer.
 

Does Dove Really Love Our Humps?
Bad Subjects

Who will be the Big Wii-ner in the Console War?
Bad Subjects

Go, Go, Go and Get Back to Black
Bad Subjects

The Big Penny Pussy Sale: White Patriarchy and the Rhetoric of the Hollywood Fancyman
Bad Subjects

Not My Worst Nightmare: Rambo (2008)
Bad Subjects

Will Master Chief Ever Frag Moby Dick
Ivory Tower

2008