How do I know if my paper is a good fit for the Journal of Games, Self, & Society (JGSS)?
The goal of the JGSS is to encourage interdisciplinary research, conversation, and community. As such, we do not have requirements for research to be in a specific field of study. If your research - either theoretical or empirical - is focused on how games, game design, or gameplay contribute to a deeper understanding of learning, health, or humanity, you're in a good place. Works focused on teens are especially encouraged. If you're not sure about your paper's fit, email us at jgss@ithrivegames.org.
How often do you publish JGSS?
Once per year.
When does the next issue of JGSS come out?
The next issue will be published in the fall of 2021. See the call for papers for this issue here.
When is the next call for papers for JGSS?
The current call for abstracts is open until October 19, 2020.
How much does it cost to submit to or publish in JGSS?
There is no cost to submit a paper or to have one published.
Do I need to be affiliated with a university or college library to access JGSS?
ETC Press publishes JGSS and it is free to access digitally. If you want a physical copy of the journal, ETC does charge a small fee for printing and shipping, simply to cover the costs of printing. You can order physical copies through the publisher's website. There are no institutional or subscription fees to access JGSS.
How and where are calls for JGSS papers distributed?
The best places to hear about future calls for papers are our website www.ithrivegames.org, the iThrive monthly newsletter, and our Twitter account @iThriveGames. We also publish our call for papers on the Games Network and HEVGA listservs.
Do you publish null results in JGSS?
Yes! Null results are still results and an important part of healthy science and scholarship.
Will JGSS also consider publishing results-blind Registered Reports?
Yes! JGSS is committed to the advancement of publication methodology and observing best practices — embracing results-blind and pre-registered reports is an important step toward more transparent and ethical research.
What is JGSS's stance on republishing translated work?
We welcome texts that have been previously published in a different language provided that, in addition to translating the paper into English, they have made noticeable changes to the text to differentiate it from the previously published text. It's the responsibility of the authors to secure all permissions from initial publication to republish an article. Demonstrated proof must be provided upon submission.
How does the JGSS review process work?
JGSS uses a double-blind review process which means that reviewers do not know the identity of the authors and vice versa. Each paper is reviewed by two peer reviewers selected by the journal's editors based on their expertise related to the submission's content and methodology. Reviewers provide detailed feedback on manuscripts and also make recommendations for publication. Recommendations are: Accept, Accept with major revisions, Revise and Resubmit, or Reject.
- Accept - The work meets or exceeds the standards of a top paper in any reputable journal. Some minor revisions may be required.
- Accept with Revisions - The work is clearly of value and the paper is worthy of publication; however revisions are required to clarify one or more components of the manuscript.
- Revise and Resubmit - The work is promising, but requires major revisions to clarify the goals, methodology, approach, or findings and methodology.
- Reject - Neither the work nor its articulation appear to be ready for publication; or JGSS is not the appropriate outlet for the work.
Reviewers' comments will be provided when authors are notified of their paper's status. For papers that require major revisions prior to acceptance, a revised paper addressing the comments and concerns of reviewers in order to be considered for publication. If a paper receives conflicting recommendations from reviewers (e.g. one accept and one reject), we will engage a third reviewer to offer an additional review of the paper.
My JGSS submission was evaluated to need "major revisions." What does that mean in terms of acceptance to the journal?
Papers marked as requiring major revisions will be provided feedback from the reviewers and required to resubmit their paper for review. The paper will be reevaluated upon re-submission. If the work fails to comprehensively address the requested edits or does not meet publication standards during reevaluation, JGSS retains the right to decline the paper.
How do I contact someone about JGSS?
Please email us at jgss@ithrivegames.org.
Who owns the copyright of JGSS articles?
Authors retain all rights to their work.
Does JGSS have an ISSN?
Yes. ISSN 2641-9785.
I'm interested in being a reviewer for JGSS. How do I do that?
We are always looking to expand our network of reviewers! Please email us at jgss@ithrivegames.org. Let us know your areas of expertise and interest.
Who was on the review board of previous issues of JGSS?
JGSS is dependent upon the time and expertise of so many scholars, designers, and educators. We include a list reviewers in each issue of JGSS. Check out past issues here.