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Evolution of Game Design

1990 to the late 2000s

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.

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
Enroll now

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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.

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
Week 3: A Changing of the guard
Week 4: The dawn of high definition
Wrap-up

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Save this course

Save Evolution of Game Design: 1990 to the late 2000s to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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:

Reading list

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Course image
Effort
4 to 8 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
LCI Education
Instructor
John Appleby
Session
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
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
Share and help others discover this course.
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