Video games are a popular form of interactive media that engage players in dynamic experiences through unprecedented combinations of storytelling, visualization, interactivity, and multi-sensory immersion. This course will introduce students to video game production and concepts. We will develop a framework for critically analyzing this medium, learn to identify effective strategies for creating games and describe what elements of design impact the final experience of a game. We’ll also identify the function of user agency in this medium to better understand how players are affected by representation in video games. Throughout the course, students will be asked to apply these concepts while building their own games and become familiar with the fundamentals of video game design.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 18

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years and Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors by permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Tynes

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes: