History of Video Games: Technical, Economic & Socio-cultural Contexts

Catalog description

This course will provide the student with an overview of the technological, economic, and socio-historical contexts of the history and development of video games in a global context. In developing an understanding of the social construction of history, nostalgia, and revisionist history, the student will explore video game history beyond the typical big historical moments such as the Crash of ‘83 and the key people in the American and Japanese game industries. The student will explore both successes and failures throughout video game history from a range of countries to understand how they shape technological innovations and how the socio-cultural contexts influence content, demographics, and business models over time.