Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate and continually evolving relationship between art, design, and the world of video games. We will investigate the intersections of video game development with contemporary art and design practices, and students will have the opportunity to:
  • Delve into the crucial role of games in various cultures throughout human history. Using foundational texts such as "Man, Play, and Games" by Roger Caillois and "Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play Element in Culture" by Johan Huizinga, we will explore the social and cultural aspects of play.
  • Trace the origins of modern video game design by examining past works that foreshadowed its elements. This includes exploring Stéphane Mallarmé's experimental and never-finished "Livre," interactive plays by Bertolt Brecht, and Karlheinz Stockhausen's musical composition Klavierstück XI, spanning various art forms.
  • Learn about cultural movements' impact on game design. By analyzing movements like Surrealism, Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism, we will uncover their profound influence on video game design and narratives and further explore the art movements that emerged from video game design.
  • Investigate experimental approaches to storytelling, world-building, and narrative structures within video games, examining the medium's historical development.
  • Explore how video game culture has deeply impacted contemporary art and design. From video game-inspired art installations to the usage of video games for advertising to immersive mixed-reality experiences and fashion events conducted entirely in virtual environments, we will investigate the convergence of these worlds.
By the conclusion of this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of video games from the perspective of the art world, its evolution over time, and how new media artists and game designers utilize different artistic and narrative techniques that stem from the digital realm.

This course welcomes students from various academic backgrounds who share a passion for art, design, and video games. Whether you're an art and design history enthusiast, a dedicated gamer, or simply curious about the fusion of these realms, this course promises valuable insights into this ever-evolving intersection.

Syllabus

Assignments

Midterm

Quizzes

Final

Student Assignment Examples

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