Peripheral Games: Chilean Glocalization and the Independent Video Game Scene
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51698/tripodos.2026.59.06Keywords:
independent video games, chilean video games, postcolonialism, glocalization, Game StudiesAbstract
This paper analyzes the Chilean independent video game industry through a postcolonial lens, revealing a center-periphery dynamic where technological access does not dismantle cultural hierarchies. A review of 28 Chilean games (2014-2024) shows only one with thematic glocalization focused on Latin America, five with aesthetic glocalization and 22 with grobalization. Despite the high rate of original IP creation, the lack of local content suggests a form of cultural dependency. Chilean developers, inspired by global media, align with international norms, indicating an internalization of dominant tropes.
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Este artículo analiza la industria chilena de videojuegos independientes desde una perspectiva poscolonial, revelando una dinámica centro-periferia en la que el acceso a la tecnología no desmantela las jerarquías culturales. Una revisión de 28 juegos chilenos
(2014-2024) muestra que solo uno tiene una glocalización temática centrada en América Latina, cinco con glocalización estética y 22 presentan una grobalización. A pesar de la elevada creación de propiedad intelectual original, la falta de contenido local sugiere una dependencia cultural. Los desarrolladores chilenos, inspirados por los medios de comunicación globales, se alinean con las normas internacionales, lo que indica una internalización de los tropos dominantes.
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