GA 2710 - Strategy + Psychology in Games

Credits: 3

This sophomore-level course studies why we play video games; what makes game play engaging or educational; as well as topics such as immersion, social components, and addiction in video games. The class explores the use of games for art, story, and the place of story in our culture, as well as discussing games of the past and future directions for games. Through discussions, video, and writing essays, the student investigates the relationship between games, psychology, and human culture and its expression in games and interactive media. At the conclusion of the course, students gain an understanding of the psychological, ethical, and social aspects of games through storyboarding, essays, and discussions.

Prerequisites: Completion of 60+ credit hours

Course Learning Outcomes:

Identify and apply game design theories and principles in narrative assignments.
Recognize and implement psychological theories and principles that operate in game design in narrative assignments.
Use narrative design writing methods to develop a story world for a game.
Create an interactive fiction game using software.
Revise own interactive fiction game’s design by applying psychological theories and principles.

GA2710 Course Learning Outcomes Rubric

Required Textbooks:
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, 2nd Edition - ISBN: 9781466598645