Beyond virtual carnival and masquerade: In-game marriage on the Chinese Internet

Weihua Wu, Steve Fore, Xiying Wang, Petula Sik Ying Ho

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

This article documents the brief history of cyber marriage on the Chinese Internet and shows how in-game marriage, with its game codes and marriage regulations, turns out to be the most visualized, institutionalized, and heteronormative form of cyber marriage, by exploring the game players' gender performativity, especially the gender swapping of male gamers. This study sheds light on Chinese youth subculture under the influence of new media and the consumer digital network in postsocialist China. © 2007 Sage Publications.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-89
JournalGames and Culture
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Research Keywords

  • Computer-mediated communication
  • Cyber marriage
  • Gender swapping
  • MMORPG
  • Performativity
  • Youth subculture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Beyond virtual carnival and masquerade: In-game marriage on the Chinese Internet'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this