States of Immersion Across Media

Immersion across media opens our perception to altered states of consciousness. Far from disconnecting us from our surroundings, these experiences reframe how we connect to the world and to others. In this age of technological acceleration, myriad new media forms redefine our immersive habits and patterns of gratification. States of Immersion Across Media invites readers to slow down and reflect on immersive practices, both new and old, their impact on our bodies, the affective attunements they evoke, the disruptions they afford, and the creative encounters they generate.

"In a much-needed critical examination of immersion, a key concept of media theory, this remarkable volume examines its manifestation in a variety of media?VR technology, computer games, film, participatory theater, and narrative fiction?discusses it from a phenomenological point of view, interviews content creators pursuing the experience, and interrogates the future of VR as an artistic and ludic medium."
-- Marie-Laure Ryan, Independent literary scholar and critic

"Running the gamut from virtual reality to film and game studies, theater to philosophy, this collection demonstrates the myriad ways the idea of immersion continues to inspire discussion and debate. Anyone interested in recent work on the concept, particularly in the Canadian context, need look no further."
-- Paul Roquet, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

?This unique collection explores the concept of immersion from a variety of historical and critical perspectives. A key contribution to media studies, it is also a must-read for all those who wish to appreciate the cultural significance of VR and other new technologies of immersion.?
-- Jay David Bolter, Georgia Institute of Technology

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