History of Game Design: Prehistory to the late 1980s from edX

Want to take a fascinating journey through the history of gaming? Then this course is for you.

Our journey begins with an exploration of how ancient board games evolved into modern board games and arcade games. Then we will explore the development of first- and second-generation video games, and finally, innovative third-generation game technology.

In this course, you will learn about the history of game design, features and applications of the earliest video games and the second-generation video game consoles developed in the 1970s and 1980s. You will also discover how the American video game industry crash of 1983 paved the way for game developers and game companies around the world—particularly Nintendo and Sega from Japan—to dominate the video game market of the late 1980s and develop the third generation of consoles.

Topics covered include:

Pre-electronic games
Birth of an industry
Explosion and crash
Rebirth of an industry

What you'll learn

The evolution of games from prehistory to the creation of the personal computer
The milestones that led to the development of first- and second-generation games
How the creation of third-generation consoles revitalized the video game industry after its crash
How to distinguish between the design, features and applications of video games developed from the 1970s to the late 1980s

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to the history of gaming, which is standard in the field of study of computer science and game development

Taught by Tahirah Mirza and John Appleby, who are recognized in the field for their expertise in game history and game development

Develops students' understanding of the evolution of games from prehistory to the creation of the personal computer, which is a core skill for game designers and developers

Examines the milestones that led to the development of first- and second-generation games, which is valuable for students interested in the technical aspects of game development

Explores how the creation of third-generation consoles revitalized the video game industry after its crash, which is essential knowledge for students interested in the business side of game development

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 Game Design: Prehistory to the late 1980s with these activities:

Review history of gaming

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Improve understanding of historical context of gaming

Browse courses on Games

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Read a timeline of gaming history
Watch a documentary or video about the history of gaming
Play some classic games from different eras

Take a course on the history of gaming

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Acquire a structured and in-depth understanding of the evolution of games

Browse courses on Gaming

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Find a reputable online course or MOOC on the history of gaming
Enroll in the course and complete the required readings and assignments
Participate in online discussions and forums to engage with other learners

Read 'The Ultimate History of Video Games' by Steven Kent

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of video games

View The Ultimate History of Video Games, Volume 2:... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes on key concepts and events
Discuss the book's content with classmates or online forums

Five other activities

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Play games from different eras

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Develop practical understanding of game design and mechanics

Browse courses on Gaming

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Play a board game from the 1970s
Play a video game from the 1980s
Play a video game from the 1990s

Discuss gaming history with classmates

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Exchange knowledge and perspectives on the evolution of games

Browse courses on Gaming

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Join a study group or online forum dedicated to gaming history
Participate in discussions and debates about key historical events and developments
Share research and insights with other group members

Create a timeline of gaming history

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Enhance understanding of chronological development of games

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Gather information about important events in gaming history
Organize the events chronologically
Create a visual representation of the timeline

Compile a resource library on gaming history

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Create a personalized repository of resources for ongoing reference

Browse courses on Gaming

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Gather articles, videos, and other relevant materials on gaming history
Organize the materials by topic or era
Create a digital or physical library for easy access

Develop a video game inspired by classic games

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Apply knowledge of game history and mechanics to create a unique gaming experience

Browse courses on Game Development

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Choose a classic game as inspiration
Design the game mechanics, graphics, and sound effects
Develop the game using a game engine or programming language
Test and refine the game

Career center

Learners who complete History of Game Design: Prehistory to the late 1980s will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Designer

Video Game Designers create the overall user experience for video games. They are responsible for designing the game's visuals, mechanics, and levels. This course provides a foundation in the history of game design, from the earliest board games to the latest video games. It also covers the evolution of game design technology and the impact of different game genres on the industry. This knowledge can help Video Game Designers create more engaging and innovative games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Designer

Game Producer

Game Producers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of game development projects. They work with developers, artists, and other team members to ensure that the game is completed on time and within budget. This course provides Game Producers with a broad understanding of the game development process, from concept to release. It also covers the business side of game development, including marketing and distribution. This knowledge can help Game Producers make better decisions and lead their teams to success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer

Technical Artist

Technical Artists create the 3D models, textures, and other visual assets used in video games. They work closely with game designers and programmers to ensure that the game's visuals are both visually appealing and technically sound. This course provides Technical Artists with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for creating 3D models and textures. This knowledge can help Technical Artists create more realistic and immersive game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Video Game Programmer

Video Game Programmers write the code that makes video games work. They work with game designers and artists to create the game's engine, gameplay mechanics, and artificial intelligence. This course provides Video Game Programmers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest programming techniques and algorithms used in game development. This knowledge can help Video Game Programmers create more efficient and engaging games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Programmer

Game Writer

Game Writers create the story and dialogue for video games. They work with game designers and artists to create a compelling and engaging narrative experience for players. This course provides Game Writers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for writing interactive dialogue and branching storylines. This knowledge can help Game Writers create more immersive and memorable game experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers create the sound effects and music for video games. They work with game designers and artists to create a cohesive and immersive audio experience for players. This course provides Audio Engineers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for creating and mixing audio for video games. This knowledge can help Audio Engineers create more realistic and engaging game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Concept Artist

Concept Artists create the early sketches and designs for video games. They work with game designers and artists to develop the game's visual aesthetic. This course provides Concept Artists with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for creating concept art for video games. This knowledge can help Concept Artists create more visually appealing and innovative game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Animator

Animators create the animations for video games. They work with game designers and artists to bring the game's characters and environments to life. This course provides Animators with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for creating animations for video games. This knowledge can help Animators create more realistic and engaging game experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Game Tester

Game Testers play video games to find bugs and other issues. They work with game developers to ensure that the game is released in a polished and playable state. This course provides Game Testers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest techniques for testing video games. This knowledge can help Game Testers find more bugs and help developers create better games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester

Video Game Critic

Video Game Critics review and evaluate video games for a variety of audiences. They write articles, reviews, and other content that helps consumers decide whether or not to purchase a particular game. This course provides Video Game Critics with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest trends in video game development and the different genres of video games. This knowledge can help Video Game Critics write more informed and insightful reviews.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Critic

Game Journalist

Game Journalists write news articles, reviews, and other content about the video game industry. They work for a variety of publications, including websites, magazines, and newspapers. This course provides Game Journalists with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest trends in video game development and the different genres of video games. This knowledge can help Game Journalists write more informed and interesting articles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Journalist

Video Game Historian

Video Game Historians study the history of video games and the impact they have had on society. They write books, articles, and other content that helps people understand the evolution of video games. This course provides Video Game Historians with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the different genres of video games and the impact they have had on popular culture. This knowledge can help Video Game Historians write more accurate and insightful histories of video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Historian

Professor of Game Design

Professors of Game Design teach game design at colleges and universities. They develop curriculum, teach classes, and conduct research in the field of game design. This course provides Professors of Game Design with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the latest trends in game development and the different genres of video games. This knowledge can help Professors of Game Design create more effective and engaging game design programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Game Design

Game Development Manager

Game Development Managers oversee the development of video games. They work with developers, artists, and other team members to ensure that the game is completed on time and within budget. This course provides Game Development Managers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the business side of game development, including marketing and distribution. This knowledge can help Game Development Managers make better decisions and lead their teams to success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Development Manager

Game Designer

Game Designers create the overall user experience for video games. They are responsible for designing the game's visuals, mechanics, and levels. This course provides Game Designers with a foundation in the history of game design and the evolution of game design technology. It also covers the different genres of video games and the impact they have had on popular culture. This knowledge can help Game Designers create more engaging and innovative games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

History of Game Design

Prehistory to the late 1980s

What you'll learn

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