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John Appleby
Uncover the technological advancements of the early 1990s and delve into the development of fourth- and fifth-generation video game consoles with this online course from LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
You will also explore the rise of iconic corporate video game mascots during this era.
Your journey will then conclude with an in-depth look at the sixth- and seventh-generation gaming consoles.
Topics covered include:
Read more
Uncover the technological advancements of the early 1990s and delve into the development of fourth- and fifth-generation video game consoles with this online course from LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
You will also explore the rise of iconic corporate video game mascots during this era.
Your journey will then conclude with an in-depth look at the sixth- and seventh-generation gaming consoles.
Topics covered include:
Read more
Uncover the technological advancements of the early 1990s and delve into the development of fourth- and fifth-generation video game consoles with this online course from LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
You will also explore the rise of iconic corporate video game mascots during this era.
Your journey will then conclude with an in-depth look at the sixth- and seventh-generation gaming consoles.
Topics covered include:
- Mascot wars
- A new dimension
- A changing of the guard
- The dawn of high definition
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/g62yvm/evolution
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Discover how rapid technological advancements influenced the next generation of consoles and reshaped the history of gaming.
- Explore the design features and development of game consoles across the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations.
- Understand how the legal challenges that plagued the video game industry during this period shaped the future of gaming.
- Discover how rapid technological advancements influenced the next generation of consoles and reshaped the history of gaming.
- Explore the design features and development of game consoles across the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations.
- Understand how the legal challenges that plagued the video game industry during this period shaped the future of gaming.
Syllabus
This course will contribute to your learning by exploring the following modules:
Welcome
Week 1: Mascot wars
Week 2: A New dimension
Read more
Syllabus
This course will contribute to your learning by exploring the following modules:
Welcome
Week 1: Mascot wars
Week 2: A New dimension
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the development of video game consoles, which is standard in the industry
Taught by John Appleby, who is recognized for their expertise in video game design
Taught by the reputable LaSalle College, which is recognized for its excellence in video game design
Provides a comprehensive exploration of video game consoles from generations four through seven
Develops an understanding of the technological advancements and cultural impact of video game consoles
Provides a foundational understanding of the history of video game consoles for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts
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Reviews summary
A deep dive into retro game evolution
According to students, this course offers a rich historical overview of game design from the 1990s to the late 2000s, serving as a nostalgic journey for many. Learners praise its engaging lectures and the clarity with which it explores technological advancements, console generations, and significant industry shifts, including the 'Mascot Wars'. While it excels at providing valuable historical context, some reviewers note that it functions more as a history lesson than a practical game design course, potentially lacking deep design insights for professionals. Those seeking hands-on design principles might find it surface-level if already familiar with the era's history. Overall, it's highly recommended for game enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural evolution of video games.
Lectures are captivating and clearly presented, enhancing learning.
"The lectures were engaging, and the way they tied technological advancements to design decisions was brilliant."
"The course structure made it easy to follow the progression of game design."
"The instructors clearly have a passion for the subject, and it shows in the quality of the content."
"The visuals were great too."
Provides a comprehensive, engaging look at gaming's past.
"Absolutely loved this course! As someone who grew up with these consoles, it was a fantastic trip down memory lane."
"This course exceeded my expectations. The historical context provided for each console generation was incredibly valuable."
"Perfect for anyone interested in game history, especially those who lived through these eras."
"I learned a lot about how game design evolved."
Later sections may feel rushed or less detailed than earlier topics.
"While I enjoyed most of it, some parts felt a bit rushed, especially towards the later generations."
"My only minor critique is that some of the earlier sections felt a bit more detailed than the later ones."
"I was hoping for more deep dives into specific game design philosophies or failures."
Primarily a history course, less on actionable design principles.
"Not what I expected. The title is 'Evolution of Game Design' but it's mostly a history lesson of consoles. Very little on actual game design techniques..."
"Disappointed. I expected more focus on *design* principles and less on just recounting history. It felt like watching a series of documentaries..."
"It's an okay course if you're a complete beginner to game history, but for someone already familiar with the topic, it doesn't offer much new insight."
"It's a great historical account, but those looking for current game design techniques might find it too focused on the past."
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 Evolution of Game Design: 1990 to the late 2000s with these
activities:
Follow video tutorials to understand the history of video game console generations
Show steps
Explore video game history by watching video tutorials that explain and visualize the advancements and changes that occurred during each generation of consoles.
Show steps
-
Search for videos on YouTube or other platforms that cover the history of video game consoles.
-
Select videos that focus on specific generations or topics related to the course, such as mascot wars or the rise of high definition.
-
Take notes or summarize the key points from each video.
-
Pause the videos to research or explore related concepts.
Read "Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation"
Show steps
Gain insights into the competitive landscape and marketing strategies of the video game industry during the fourth and fifth generations of consoles.
View
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
-
Read the book in sections, focusing on the chapters relevant to the course topics.
-
Take notes or highlight important passages.
Design a timeline of video game console generations
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the chronological order and key milestones in the evolution of video game consoles.
Show steps
-
Gather information about the release dates and specifications of major video game consoles.
-
Use a tool like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to create a timeline.
-
Include columns for console name, release date, manufacturer, and significant features.
-
Annotate the timeline with brief descriptions or images.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss the impact of mascot wars on video game marketing
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to explore the strategies and consequences of mascot wars in the video game industry.
Show steps
-
Join a study group or online forum.
-
Initiate or participate in discussions about the topic.
-
Share your insights and perspectives.
Analyze the design features of different video game consoles
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of video game console architecture and design by comparing and contrasting different models.
Show steps
-
Identify key design features, such as processor speed, graphics capabilities, and storage capacity.
-
Research and gather technical specifications of different consoles.
-
Compare and contrast the specifications using a table or spreadsheet.
-
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each console.
Contribute to the MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in emulation and video game history preservation by contributing to an open-source project that emulates classic arcade games.
Show steps
-
Visit the MAME website and familiarize yourself with the project.
-
Choose a specific area to contribute to, such as bug reporting, documentation, or emulation development.
-
Follow the project guidelines and contribute your work.
Compile a list of video game console patents
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the legal landscape surrounding video game consoles by gathering and reviewing patents.
Show steps
-
Search patent databases for patents related to video game consoles.
-
Organize the patents by console generation or type.
-
Create a summary or description of each patent.
Attend a workshop on video game console repair and troubleshooting
Show steps
Gain practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting video game consoles.
Show steps
-
Locate and register for a workshop.
-
Prepare any necessary materials or equipment.
-
Participate actively in the workshop.
Follow video tutorials to understand the history of video game console generations
Show steps
Explore video game history by watching video tutorials that explain and visualize the advancements and changes that occurred during each generation of consoles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for videos on YouTube or other platforms that cover the history of video game consoles.
- Select videos that focus on specific generations or topics related to the course, such as mascot wars or the rise of high definition.
- Take notes or summarize the key points from each video.
- Pause the videos to research or explore related concepts.
Read "Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation"
Show steps
Gain insights into the competitive landscape and marketing strategies of the video game industry during the fourth and fifth generations of consoles.
View
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
- Read the book in sections, focusing on the chapters relevant to the course topics.
- Take notes or highlight important passages.
Design a timeline of video game console generations
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the chronological order and key milestones in the evolution of video game consoles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the release dates and specifications of major video game consoles.
- Use a tool like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to create a timeline.
- Include columns for console name, release date, manufacturer, and significant features.
- Annotate the timeline with brief descriptions or images.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss the impact of mascot wars on video game marketing
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to explore the strategies and consequences of mascot wars in the video game industry.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a study group or online forum.
- Initiate or participate in discussions about the topic.
- Share your insights and perspectives.
Analyze the design features of different video game consoles
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of video game console architecture and design by comparing and contrasting different models.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key design features, such as processor speed, graphics capabilities, and storage capacity.
- Research and gather technical specifications of different consoles.
- Compare and contrast the specifications using a table or spreadsheet.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each console.
Contribute to the MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in emulation and video game history preservation by contributing to an open-source project that emulates classic arcade games.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the MAME website and familiarize yourself with the project.
- Choose a specific area to contribute to, such as bug reporting, documentation, or emulation development.
- Follow the project guidelines and contribute your work.
Compile a list of video game console patents
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the legal landscape surrounding video game consoles by gathering and reviewing patents.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search patent databases for patents related to video game consoles.
- Organize the patents by console generation or type.
- Create a summary or description of each patent.
Attend a workshop on video game console repair and troubleshooting
Show steps
Gain practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting video game consoles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate and register for a workshop.
- Prepare any necessary materials or equipment.
- Participate actively in the workshop.
Career center
Learners who complete Evolution of Game Design: 1990 to the late 2000s will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g62yvm/evolution
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g62yvm/evolution
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Effort
4 to 8 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
LCI Education
Instructor
John Appleby
Language
English
Transcript
English
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