Critical Gaming Theory, or, It's important 'cause it's popular

Recently I've been perusing what few books on computer/video/whatever gaming theory I can get my hands on. It probably has a lot to do with an unrealized ambition towards literary criticism, mixed with bored noodlings in computer games. I think, perhaps, in part I realize that I'm not particularly good with actually playing games, so I tend to make myself feel better by analyzing them from the bush with my pith helmet on.