The Subtle Art of Playing with Food

London, 2025: In an era where the boundaries between the digital and the physical are becoming ever more porous, Gastro-Ludology invites readers to consider an under-explored but richly layered intersection: that of food and play. Our new publication presents a compelling thesis - that food is not merely fuel, nor games mere distractions, but that together they represent a fertile ground for cultural expression, sensory immersion, and creative reinvention.
From the pixelated mushrooms of Super Mario to the hyper-realistic banquets of Final Fantasy XV, we chart the evolution of food in video games as both a functional mechanic and a storytelling device; examining the ways in which virtual edibles shape player experience, character identity, and world-building.

Beyond the screen, Gastro-Ludology examines real-world connections, from snack trends to historical food-based games, and includes original recipes inspired by iconic in-game consumables. This is a timely exploration of how we eat, how we play, and the unexpected ways those worlds collide.

The publication is now available to purchase on the Bompas & Parr Bazaar.