History of All Games from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

History of video games
History of board games
History of card games
History of roleplaying games
History of war games

World history
History of classic games
History of miniature games
History
History of the world

History of video games
History of board games
History of card games
History of roleplaying games
History of war games
World history
History of classic games
History of miniature games
History
History of the world

Syllabus

You get an overview of the course structure

In the first part we'll see how gaming was born. We go around the globe to see what we know about the earliest marks of gaming there, from Egyptians to Chinese, from Incas to Indians and beyond.

Second part covers games of the ancient world. Backgammon and Chess get a special look, but so does Hneftafl the game of the vikings. We also cover history of card games, cue games and take a look at Renaissance Siena and their parlour game culture.

In the third part we focus on three interconnected things: History of Wargames, Miniature Games and Roleplaying games. We also look at the setting where video games will be born.

Fourth lecture covers the birth and early years of video games.

Link #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7gHVuPfSbw

Link #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkTjcfo9QFw starting 20:00

Link #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nfgRf2A0Tc

Fifth lecture covers the collapse and revival of video game business.

Final lecture looks at game history in different countries and has a look at the end of 1980s and 1990s, console wars and board game revival.

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Explores gaming's evolution across 5500 years, offering a broad understanding of its cultural and societal impact from ancient times to modern video games

Examines the history of various game types, including board games, card games, roleplaying games, and war games, providing context for the development of video games

Covers the history of games in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, China, and the Inca empire, offering insights into their cultural significance and societal roles

Details the birth and early years of video games, including the console wars of the 1980s and 1990s, which can inform modern game design and marketing strategies

Examines the collapse and revival of the video game business, offering a case study in industry trends, market dynamics, and the impact of technological innovation

Reviews summary

Extensive game history survey

According to learners, the "History of All Games" course offers an exceptionally broad survey spanning millennia of game history, from ancient times to modern consoles. Students frequently highlight the course's strength in covering diverse game types, including board games, card games, and roleplaying, moving beyond a sole focus on video games. The lectures are often described as engaging and delivered with clear passion. However, some reviewers note a relative lack of depth in the modern video game sections, feeling they could be more comprehensive. Reliance on external resources (like YouTube links) is also mentioned. Overall, it is highly recommended as a solid and fascinating introduction to the vast world of game history.

Requires using external links.

"Note that you'll need to use provided YouTube links for some of the video content."

"Some required content or examples are linked outside the main course platform."

"Uses external videos to supplement the lectures."

"The links provided were helpful, but accessing them separately was required."

Lectures are interesting and passionate.

"The instructor's enthusiasm for the subject is infectious and made the lectures very engaging."

"Lectures were easy to listen to and follow, presented in a clear and interesting way."

"You can tell the instructor is passionate about this topic, which makes learning enjoyable."

"His delivery style keeps you hooked throughout the course."

Excellent starting point for subject.

"Highly recommend this as a primer for anyone curious about the history of games."

"It's a perfect first course to get a broad understanding before deciding where to focus next."

"Gives you a solid foundation and context for the entire history of games."

"Great overview for beginners in game history."

Includes board, card, RPGs, not just video games.

"Loved that it wasn't just video games; the sections on board games, card games, and RPGs were great."

"Finally, a history course that gives proper attention to traditional and tabletop games!"

"It gives a truly 'all games' perspective, which is refreshing and comprehensive."

"Learning about the history of war games and miniature games was a highlight for me."

Covers millennia of game history.

"I was impressed by how far back in history this course goes, tracing games from ancient civilizations."

"It covered ancient times, medieval games, and the Renaissance – a true sweep of history through games."

"Really puts modern games into a much larger historical and cultural context."

"The scope from the earliest known games to the present day is vast and fascinating."

Modern video game section is shallow.

"Wish the video game history part was longer and more detailed; it felt a bit brief."

"Compared to the ancient history sections, the modern era, especially video games, seemed a bit rushed."

"If you're only interested in deep dives into video game history, this might not go into enough detail."

"Felt like it covered too much ground quickly in the later video game lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History of All Games with these activities:

Sid Meier's Memoir!: A Life in Computer Games

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Gain insights into the history of video games from a key figure in the industry.

View Sid Meier's Memoir!: A Life in Computer Games on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book, taking notes on key events and insights.
Reflect on how Meier's experiences relate to the course content.

The Board Game Book: 100 of the Greatest Games in the World

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Explore the history and significance of various board games.

View Melania on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read about different board games and their historical context.
Consider how these games reflect broader cultural trends.

Timeline of Gaming History

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Solidify your understanding of gaming history by creating a detailed timeline.

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Research key events in gaming history.
Organize events chronologically on a timeline.
Add descriptions and images to each event.
Share your timeline with classmates.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Podcast Episode: The Evolution of RPGs

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Deepen your knowledge of role-playing games by creating a podcast episode.

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Research the history of RPGs.
Write a script for your podcast episode.
Record and edit your podcast.
Publish your podcast online.

Interactive Map of Gaming History

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Visualize the geographical spread of gaming history through an interactive map.

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Research locations significant to gaming history.
Gather data and images for each location.
Create an interactive map using online tools.
Add descriptions and multimedia content to each location.

Design a Historical Game

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Apply your knowledge of gaming history by designing your own game based on a historical period.

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Choose a historical period and game genre.
Develop game mechanics and rules.
Create a prototype of your game.
Test and refine your game design.

Career center

Learners who complete History of All Games will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Historian

Video Game Historians study and document the evolution of video games, their cultural impact, and their technological advancements. The insights gained from this course provide a solid foundation for a career as a Video Game Historian. With dedicated lectures on the birth and early years of video games, as well as their subsequent collapse and revival, this course is particularly relevant. Knowing how games have been shaped by and have shaped societies around the world will greatly help in one's historical analysis. Furthermore, the course’s coverage of console wars and board game revivals offers a nuanced perspective on the industry's past.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Historian

Game Designer

A Game Designer conceptualizes and designs video games, board games, and other forms of interactive entertainment. A deep understanding of the history of games is a major advantage in this role. Having a background in the history of games, as covered in this course, helps a Game Designer understand what mechanics have worked, what hasn't, and how different games have evolved over time. This can inspire new ideas and help avoid repeating past mistakes. By understanding the historical evolution of gaming, including its ancient roots and its transformations through wargames, miniature games, and roleplaying games, you can create truly innovative and engaging experiences.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct systematic investigations to discover new knowledge or validate existing theories. As a Researcher specializing in gaming history, the knowledge gained from this course can serve as a launching point for more in-depth research. The course's modules on the birth and evolution of video games, as well as its coverage of console wars and board game revivals, may provide valuable insights and research avenues. Furthermore, its exploration of ancient games and their cultural significance can inspire new research questions and methodologies.

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Writer

Writers create written content for various mediums, including books, articles, and websites. As a Writer specializing in gaming history, the knowledge gained from this course is helpful. The course's comprehensive overview of gaming history, from ancient games to the console wars, may inform compelling and accurate narratives about the gaming world. You can draw upon the course's lessons on the evolution of video games and the cultural impact of gaming to create engaging content that resonates with readers.

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Content Creator

Content Creators produce engaging content for online platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, and social media. If you are a Content Creator focusing on gaming, this course may enrich your understanding and presentation of game history. With content spanning from ancient games to the evolution of video games, you can create informative and entertaining videos, streams, and posts that captivate audiences. Use the course's insights into the console wars, the birth of video games, and the history of different gaming genres to produce high-quality content that appeals to gaming enthusiasts.

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Game Critic

Game Critics evaluate and review video games, board games, and other forms of interactive entertainment, providing informed opinions and analyses to consumers. This course may be useful to Game Critics who want to enrich their understanding of the historical context of games. Understanding how games have evolved over time and how they have influenced and been influenced by different cultures will allow a Game Critic to offer more insightful reviews and analyses. The course's coverage of various gaming eras, from ancient games to modern console wars, helps build a comprehensive understanding of the gaming landscape, thereby improving the quality and depth of critical commentary.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators manage and oversee the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts related to gaming history. This course helps build a foundation for a career as a Museum Curator specializing in gaming. With a broad overview of gaming history, from ancient times to modern video games, the course helps prepare you to understand the significance of different gaming artifacts. Knowing the origins and evolution of games, including board games, card games, and roleplaying games, may enable you to create engaging and informative exhibits that showcase the rich history of gaming to the public.

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Archivist

Archivists are responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to historical records and archival materials. An archivist specializing in gaming would find this course very helpful. The course's lessons on the birth of gaming, the games of the ancient world, and the evolution of video games can help the archivist understand the context and significance of various gaming-related documents and artifacts. By understanding the historical evolution of gaming, archivists can make informed decisions about what to preserve and how to make it accessible to researchers and the public.

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Educational Game Developer

Educational Game Developers create games designed to teach specific subjects or skills. This course may be useful to Educational Game Developers looking to create historically accurate or historically themed games. With modules covering 5500 years of gaming history, you can design games that are not only educational but also historically grounded and engaging. Understanding the historical context of games, from ancient board games to modern video games, allows you to create games that are both fun and informative, fostering a deeper appreciation for history among players.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create learning experiences, often in digital formats. If you are an Instructional Designer creating courses or training materials related to gaming, this course helps provide a solid foundation. With its broad coverage of gaming history, from ancient games to modern video games, the course allows you to develop engaging and informative learning experiences that cater to a wide range of learners. The course’s approach to the history of video games, board games, and roleplaying games provides diverse perspectives to inform your educational design.

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Esports Commentator

Esports Commentators provide live commentary and analysis for competitive video game tournaments. This course may be valuable to Esports Commentators who wish to provide historical context or trivia during broadcasts. Knowledge of the history of video games can help enhance your commentary by adding depth and context to the matches. This course’s coverage of the birth and evolution of video games, as well as console wars and board game revivals, allows you to offer insightful commentary and trivia that engages viewers and enriches their viewing experience.

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Game Localization Specialist

Game Localization Specialists adapt video games for different cultural markets, ensuring that the game is culturally appropriate and understandable for players in various regions. With this course's global perspective on gaming history, including its origins in different cultures and its evolution over time, you may gain insights into the cultural nuances of gaming in various regions. This can help you make informed decisions about how to adapt games for different markets, ensuring that they resonate with local players.

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Community Manager

Community Managers build and maintain relationships with online communities, often in the context of video games or other forms of interactive entertainment. If you are a Community Manager for a gaming company or organization, this course may help enhance your understanding of the gaming landscape and its history. The course's insights into the evolution of video games, the console wars, and the cultural impact of gaming may enable you to better engage with community members and create meaningful interactions. Knowing the background of classic games helps to bond with users and to share in their nostalgia.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects, often in the context of game development or other creative industries. This course may enhance your understanding of the gaming landscape, enabling you to better manage projects related to game development or historical preservation. With its comprehensive overview of gaming history, from ancient games to the console wars, the course helps you appreciate the complexities of the gaming industry and the importance of historical context. This course also discusses history of card games, roleplaying games, war games and parlour games, topics that may be useful for your career.

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Librarian

A Librarian is responsible for curating and managing collections of books and other resources. Librarians specializing in digital collections or gaming related materials may find this course very helpful. Understanding of the historical context of games can aid in cataloging, preserving, and providing access to gaming-related materials. Coverage of the birth and evolution of video games, as well as the history of board games, card games, and roleplaying games, may help librarians make informed decisions about collection development and resource allocation.

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History of All Games

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Extensive game history survey

Activities

Career center

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