History of Game Design: 2010 to present from edX

We will now turn our attention to the consoles of the eighth and ninth generations and learn about advances in computer gaming and related gaming technologies, including a decline in physical game media in favor of digital downloads, the emerging virtual reality (VR) gaming sector, and the rise of esports as a major commercial enterprise.

You will also learn about the history of independent video games and why they are relevant to video game history. Your journey continues with the evolution of handheld, mobile and social media games and how microconsoles have impacted the industry.

Finally, you will explore the resurgence in experimenting with mixed and virtual reality technology. After all, what could be better than playing a video game—other than living inside one?

Topics covered include:

The end of generations
Independent games
Mobile games, social games, microconsoles and mixed reality

What you'll learn

Advances in computer gaming and related gaming technologies and their significant impact on the industry
The defining features and major game releases of the eighth- and ninth-generation consoles
The relevance of independent games to video game history
Why Vancouver is recognized as a hub of video game production and development
How the evolution of games played on mobile devices and social media and the phenomenon of microconsoles have changed the direction of video game history
How mixed reality technologies have developed and how they may affect the future of gaming

What's inside

Learning objectives

Dvances in computer gaming and related gaming technologies and their significant impact on the industry
He defining features and major game releases of the eighth- and ninth-generation consoles
He relevance of independent games to video game history

Hy vancouver is recognized as a hub of video game production and development
Ow the evolution of games played on mobile devices and social media and the phenomenon of microconsoles have changed the direction of video game history
Ow mixed reality technologies have developed and how they may affect the future of gaming

Dvances in computer gaming and related gaming technologies and their significant impact on the industry
He defining features and major game releases of the eighth- and ninth-generation consoles
He relevance of independent games to video game history
Hy vancouver is recognized as a hub of video game production and development
Ow the evolution of games played on mobile devices and social media and the phenomenon of microconsoles have changed the direction of video game history
Ow mixed reality technologies have developed and how they may affect the future of gaming

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Guides learners through the end of generations, which is standard in video game history

Highlights the relevance of independent games, which conveys the importance of indie game developers in video game history

Explores the phenomenon of microconsoles, which have impacted the direction of video game history

Examines the evolution of handheld, mobile and social media games, which is highly relevant to the gaming industry

Taught by Tahirah Mirza and John Appleby, who are recognized for their work in video game history

Uses a multi-modal approach with readings, videos, and discussions

This course is part of a series of video game history courses, indicating comprehensiveness and detail

Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge, which may be a barrier to entry for some students

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: 2010 to present with these activities:

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

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of video games, from the early days of arcade games to the present day. It will help you understand the evolution of video games and the factors that have influenced their development.

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

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Read the book.
Take notes on the key points of the book.
Discuss the book with other students in the course.

Watch playthroughs of recent AAA releases

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Watching playthroughs can help you understand the defining features and major game releases of the eighth- and ninth-generation consoles.

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Find playthroughs of recent AAA releases on YouTube or Twitch.
Watch the playthroughs to get a sense of the game's graphics, gameplay, and story.
Take notes on the game's strengths and weaknesses.

Play independent video games

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Playing independent video games can help you understand the unique features and perspectives of these games and their relevance to video game history.

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Find and download a few independent video games that interest you.
Play the games for at least a few hours each.
Write a short review of each game, discussing its strengths and weaknesses.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Attend a VR game development workshop

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Attending a VR game development workshop can help you learn about the latest VR technologies and techniques and how they are being used to create new and innovative games.

Browse courses on VR Game Development

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Find a VR game development workshop in your area.
Sign up for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Contribute to an open-source video game project

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Contributing to an open-source video game project can help you learn about the development process and how to collaborate with others on a project.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find a open source video game project that interests you.
Read the project's documentation and get familiar with the codebase.
Make a contribution to the project, such as fixing a bug or adding a new feature.
Submit your contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete History of Game Design: 2010 to present will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Animator

As a game animator, you will need to have a deep understanding of the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. You will also need to be familiar with the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Animator

Game Programmer

As a game programmer, you will need to have a deep understanding of the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. You will also need to be familiar with the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Game Designer

This course on game design from 2010 to present can help prepare you for a career as a game designer. It covers the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality that are expected to be important in the future of gaming. You'll learn about the history of independent video games and why they are relevant to video game history, and the history of console releases, which may help you to understand the modern landscape of gaming.

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Game Developer

As a game developer, you will need to understand the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. This course will teach you about the end of console generations, the rise of independent games, the move to digital downloads, the impact of social media on gaming, and the growth of mixed reality gaming. It will help you build a foundation to enter this field.

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Game Producer

As a game producer, you will need to be familiar with the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. You will also need to be aware of the latest advances in gaming technology. This course will help you build a foundation in both of these areas. Additionally, this course will introduce you to topics of particular relevance to producers, like digital downloads and the rise of esports as a major commercial product.

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Video Game Tester

As a video game tester, you will need to have knowledge of a wide range of video games, including those covered in this course, which covers game design from 2010 to present. You will also need to be familiar with the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality. This course may be useful to you as it will give you a broad understanding of the field.

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Game Artist

As a game artist, you will need to have a strong understanding of the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. You will also need to be familiar with the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality. This course will help you build a foundation in both of these areas.

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Game Writer

This course may be useful to you as a game writer, as it will give you a broad understanding of the history of game design, including the period covered in this course, from 2010 to present. You will also learn about the latest advances in gaming technology and mixed reality. This knowledge will help you to write more informed and engaging game stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer