Digital Gaming: History, Genres and Theory
Y19.2250
Credit:
The Paul McGhee Division
This is a survey course that introduces the students to several key aspects of digital game production and play that will help them understand what makes game technologies and software successful. The course starts off with a chronology of key 'video games' and the historical development of the consoles and platforms on which they were designed to play. The next part examines the digital game 'medium' and its key formal attributes: time, space, narrative, and genre. It then looks at forms of play such as fantasy, drama, submission, fellowship, pastime and self-expression. Interfacing with the ergonomics of the technical devices involve require an abstract understanding of the physical aspects of play: visual, auditory, motor, perceptual, and cognitive. Lastly, the moves to limit the impact of violence and through censorship and ratings are covered.
To register for this course you must be an admitted student in an NYU credit or degree program or have special student status. Admitted NYU credit or degree students may visit NYUHome to register through ALBERT. To apply to an NYU-SCPS credit or degree program, call (212) 998-7100.
