Amateur wizards: exploring involvement in Magic: The Gathering as serious leisure

Walker, Earl Padraig (2013) Amateur wizards: exploring involvement in Magic: The Gathering as serious leisure. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The framework of the serious leisure perspective (Stebbins, 1992a; 1992b; 1998; 2006a; 2007a) was used to explore involvement in the trading card game Magic: The Gathering. The experiences, rituals, and practices of individuals who play the game were examined to answer the question; does involvement in Magic: the Gathering constitute serious leisure? Interviews were conducted with nine individuals who identified themselves as serious players. Analysis of the transcribed interviews was guided by constant comparison methods (Strauss and Corbin, 2008). Open coding was used to identify main themes, concepts, and ideas. Axial coding (Strauss & Corbin, 2008) was then used to explore any linkages. Emergent themes confirmed that for the participants of this study involvement in Magic: the Gathering constituted a form of serious leisure. The findings also suggest that involvement in the game served as a source of expression and personal identity for participants.

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