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Lecture

Introduction to Game Studies

In course

HUM-380: Video games and gamification

Ce cours propose d'acquérir des compétences en création de jeux vidéo, en invitant les étudiant·e·s à mettre leurs connaissances au service d'un projet collectif de recherche-création centré sur la ludification (gamification) d'un contenu scientifique. ...

Description

This lecture introduces the field of game studies, focusing on game analysis tools, creating playable prototypes by 'gamifying' scientific subjects, and fostering critical interdisciplinary group work. Evaluation includes a 'Game Concept Document' and a playable prototype submission.

Instructor

Yannick Rochat

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Game design

Game design is the process of creating and shaping the mechanics, systems, and rules of a game. Games can be created for entertainment, education, exercise, or experimental purposes. Increasingly, elements and principles of game design are also applied to other interactions, in the form of gamification.

Game mechanics

In tabletop games and video games, game mechanics are the rules or ludemes that govern and guide the player's actions, as well as the game's response to them. A rule is an instruction on how to play, a ludeme is an element of play like the L-shaped move of the knight in chess. A game's mechanics thus effectively specify how the game will work for the people who play it. There are no accepted definitions of game mechanics.

Game studies

Game studies, also known as ludology (from ludus, "game", and -logia, "study", "research"), is the study of games, the act of playing them, and the players and cultures surrounding them. It is a field of cultural studies that deals with all types of games throughout history. This field of research utilizes the tactics of, at least, folkloristics and cultural heritage, sociology and psychology, while examining aspects of the design of the game, the players in the game, and the role the game plays in its society or culture.

Video game development

Video game development (or gamedev) is the process of developing a video game. The effort is undertaken by a developer, ranging from a single person to an international team dispersed across the globe. Development of traditional commercial PC and console games is normally funded by a publisher and can take several years to reach completion. Indie games usually take less time and money and can be produced by individuals and smaller developers.

Collaboration

Collaboration (from Latin com- "with" + laborare "to labor", "to work") is the process of two or more people, entities or organizations working together to complete a task or achieve a goal. Collaboration is similar to cooperation. Most collaboration requires leadership, although the form of leadership can be social within a decentralized and egalitarian group. Teams that work collaboratively often access greater resources, recognition and rewards when facing competition for finite resources.

Related lectures (32)

Introduction to Game Design

Explores the process of designing video games to create meaningful player experiences, covering game genres, iterative design, and creating game concept documents.

Game Design and Project Pitching

Explores project pitching in game design, emphasizing clear vision and effective communication for collaboration.

Video Game Analysis: Structures and Mechanics

Explores video game analysis, covering representations, ludic structures, code, and the importance of narratives in game studies.

Game Design: Theory and Practice

Explores game design theory and practice, online resources, and the synergy between scientific research and the video game industry.

Gamification: Origins and Critiques