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Status

Open

Estimated Completion Time

18 weeks

Overview

Course Description: In this course, students will learn about the technologies and design principles that have been the foundation of the development of video game technology over the last 50 years. Students will examine and discuss the impact of video games on culture and the economy. Students will learn about the current gaming and e-sports landscape, including strategies and techniques of top teams and individuals. This course will also discuss the risks and dangers of video games and understand how to set appropriate time and content parameters. Finally, the course will identify career paths and opportunities for those who are passionate about gaming.

During this course, you will learn career-related skills and earn a badge for this accomplishment. A badge is a digital certification of your career-related learning that you can share on social media and higher education platforms, or with colleges, potential employers, peers, and colleagues. Select this link to learn more about badges.

Major Topics and Concepts

Module 1: Atari and the Introduction to Video Games
Define keywords related to the Atari
Describe how the level of technology available at the time impacted the development of the Atari game system
Examine the gameplay features of key Atari games like Pong, Space Invaders, PacMan, and E.T.
Discuss the cultural impact of Atari
Identify the arcade as a precursor to social gaming
Describe how the concept of a high score increased game engagement and appeal

Module 2: Nintendo and Game Boy
Define the key technologies that Nintendo used to create their original NES system and Game Boy
Describe the unique gameplay features and Genres that were pioneered by key NES games like Super Mario Brothers, Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Tecmo Super Bowl
Identify the impact of the Game Boy on the future of mobile gaming
Examine the intellectual property and copyright battles regarding the game of Tetris
Discuss the lasting cultural impact of Mario Brothers
Identify career opportunities as a video game designer and educational paths to enter those careers

Module 3: Super Nintendo, Sega, and Computer Games
Define the key technologies used in the Super NES and Sega systems and how the technology enabled new features in gameplay
Identify various game genres that were furthered in the era of Super Nintendo (racing, RPG, sports, action) and define the key characteristics of these genres
Discuss the rivalry between Nintendo and Sega
Describe early computer-based games and how these compared to console-based games
Identify career opportunities as video game tester and educational paths to enter those careers

Module 4: PlayStation
Define the key technologies used in the PlayStation and Nintendo N64 systems and how the technology enabled new features in gameplay
Evaluate the business decisions for Sony to enter the video game market
Describe the introduction and development of first-person shooter games
Examine the impact of ESRB ratings on the video game industry and compare the ESRB with other global rating systems
Identify career opportunities as a video game writer or artist and educational paths to enter those careers

Module 5: Xbox
Describe the developments in technology and gameplay of successive generations of Xbox consoles
Discuss the importance of networked gaming and how services like Xbox Live changed the gaming experience
Evaluate the business model of console and cartridge (network effects, razor/razorblade, pricing, etc.)
Examine the rivalry between Sony and Microsoft
Identify career opportunities as a video game programmer and educational paths

Module 6: Wii, Kinect, and Active Gaming
Compare and contrast the Nintendo Wii to the other existing consoles and gaming platforms at the time it was released
Describe the Kinect and list reasons why it failed to live up to its initial expectations
Examine key active gaming titles such as Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sports, and others
Evaluate the cultural impact of Guitar Hero
Discuss the importance of physical activity and the health risks of an inactive lifestyle

Module 7: Mobile Gaming
Evaluate the gameplay and genres of the most popular mobile games
Describe the features and market positioning of the Nintendo Switch
Define the characteristics of a good mobile game (short, addicting, achievement, badges)
Explain the freemium business model and discuss in-game purchases
Describe gamification and how game principles are used outside of gaming for motivation and engagement
Identify potential career opportunities within game app development and educational paths to enter those careers

Module 8: Augmented and Virtual Reality Gaming
Define key terms related to AR/VR in gaming
Describe the historical attempts at bringing virtual reality to gaming
Evaluate the platforms, features, and genres of AR gaming
Evaluate the platforms, features, and genres of VR gaming
Compare the pros and cons of AR/VR gaming to traditional gaming
Identify potential career opportunities within AR/VR game development and educational paths to enter those careers

Module 9: History and Current State of E-sports
Describe the origin and key historical development of e-sports
Evaluate the current scope and size of the e-sports industry
Identify potential career opportunities within E-sports and skills required to work in the E-sports industry
Describe participants in the E-sports ecosystem
Examine factors that make successful E-sport games

Module 10: Contemporary Issues in E-sportsDescribe E-sports and compare what makes them different from typical video games
Describe major e-sports titles, genres and gameplay features
Define skills required to succeed as an E-sports athlete
Identify high school and college programs and scholarships available within E-sports
Discuss whether E-sports are “real sports” or not and if should they be recognized as Olympic games
Evaluate the culture and community within E-sports, including toxicity and gender balance

Credits .5

Competencies

  • Atari and Origins of the Gaming Industry
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of Atari and the origins of the gaming industry by summarizing the early development of the gaming industry, describing the gaming foundation created by Atari, and summarizing the social impact of gaming.
  • The Nintendo Gaming Company
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Nintendo gaming company by explaining the rise of Nintendo, summarizing the history of Nintendo games, and describing careers in game design.
  • Super Nintendo and Sega
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of Super Nintendo and Sega by describing the rise of Sega, explaining the changes in game dimensions, and summarizing careers as a video game tester.
  • Playstation
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of Playstation by explaining the components of Playstation’s success, describing video game ratings, and summarizing the careers as video game writer or artist.
  • XBox Gaming
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of XBox gaming by describing the XBox as industry competition, explaining approaches to releasing a game, and summarizing careers as a video game programmer.
  • Wii and Kinect
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of Wii and Kinect by explaining the introduction of active gaming, describing active gaming success and failures, and summarizing the impact of gaming on health.
  • Mobile Games
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of mobile games by explaining the impact of mobile gaming, describing the principles of gamification, and summarizing careers in game app development.
  • The Advent of Augmented and Virtual Reality Gaming
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the advent of augmented and virtual reality gaming by explaining the differences in augmented and virtual reality, describing potential futures of augmented and virtual reality, and summarizing careers in augmented and virtual reality game development.
  • The Evolution of Esports
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of esports by explaining development of esports, describing careers in the esports industry, and summarizing factors regarding esports games.
  • Inside the Esports Industry
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the inside of the esports industry by explaining features of the esports industry, describing opportunities available within esports, and summarizing culture within esports.

Pre-Requisites

None
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