Episode 40: NBA2K with Ali Forbes

Ali Forbes

Texas State University’s Ali Forbes, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, joins the Big Ideas TXST podcast to discuss her research into the cultural impact of video games — NBA2K, in particular.

NBA 2K debuted in 1999 and since then has become an enduring franchise. The game simulates professional basketball and attracts millions of players around the globe. Along the way, NBA 2K has developed its own culture—as a multiuser domain game, players can create their own characters and socialize with other players—but has also become part of the larger, real-world culture of the National Basketball League. Forbes is particularly interested in the interactions players of different ethnicities have within the game environment, as well as those of women and girls. Her research is the basis for a book she is currently writing.

Forbes completed her Ph.D. at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is from Canada, where her family still lives. Forbes’ professional background is in live broadcast production for radio, television and online and she teaches classes in studio production, live sports production, advanced issues and ethics in sports journalism.