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History of Games

1990 to the late 2000s

John Appleby and Tahirah Mirza

It’s now time to continue your captivating journey through the history of gaming.

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It’s now time to continue your captivating journey through the history of gaming.

In this second course, you will learn about the technological advancements of the early 1990s and the development of the fourth- and fifth-generation video game consoles—some of which survived even after their successor generation entered the market.

You will also explore the proliferation of corporate video game mascots during this era. Finally, your journey will end with the sixth- and seventh-generation gaming consoles. You will discover the consoles and games that made these generations great, and the improvements made to the user experience through high-definition technology, motion controls and digital storefronts.

Topics covered include:

  • Mascot wars
  • A new dimension
  • A changing of the guard
  • The dawn of high definition

What you'll learn

  • How rapid advancements in technology influenced the next generation of consoles and changed the history of gaming
  • How design features and game consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations
  • How the legal issues that plagued the video game industry during this period shaped the future of video games

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Ments in technology influenced the next generation of consoles and changed the history of gaming
  • Esign features and game consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers the history of video games from the early 1990s to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry
In-depth exploration of the technological advancements that shaped the evolution of video game consoles
Examines the rise of corporate video game mascots and their impact on the industry
Provides insights into the development of high-definition technology, motion controls, and digital storefronts
Taught by Tahirah Mirza and John Appleby, both industry experts with extensive experience in video game development
Designed for learners with a passion for video games or those seeking to enter the industry

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Game Designer
Game Designers are the architects of the gaming world, responsible for many creative and technical aspects of video game development. This course will teach you the concepts and theories upon which video games are built. This will help you understand the creative and technical decisions faced by a Game Designer. Additionally, this course will help you build a foundation for some of the tools used in game development.
Technical Game Designer
Technical Game Designers are responsible for the technological infrastructure and gameplay systems found in video games. This course will teach you how rapid advancements in technology have influenced the next generation of consoles and changed the history of gaming. Understanding these advancements will be crucial to success as a Technical Game Designer.
Game Artist
Game Artists are responsible for designing and creating the visual elements of video games. This course will provide insights into how design features of video games have evolved over generations. Additionally, it will expose you to the ways in which high-definition technology impacted the way modern video games are created by Game Artists.
Game Producer
Game Producers are responsible for the overall development and production of video games. This course will teach you how design features and consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations. This foundation will help you understand the challenges that face Game Producers in the creation of their games.
Game Tester
Game Testers are responsible for playing video games to identify and document bugs and errors. This course will teach you how game consoles and their games developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations. This foundation will help you understand the systems that are in place for catching bugs and errors in modern video game development.
Game Writer
Game Writers are responsible for writing the stories, dialogue, and other text found in video games. This course will teach you how design features and game consoles developed in different generations. This will help you understand the ways in which different consoles have impacted the narrative structures of games.
Level Designer
Level Designers are responsible for designing and creating the environments and levels within video games. This course will teach you how design features and game consoles developed in different generations. This foundation will help you understand the ways in which different consoles have influenced level design.
Video Game Programmer
Video Game Programmers are responsible for programming the code that powers video games. This course will teach you how rapid advancements in technology have influenced the next generation of consoles and changed the history of gaming. This foundation will help you understand the ways in which technological advancements have impacted the code used in modern video games.
Game Analyst
Game Analysts are responsible for analyzing video games to identify areas for improvement. This course will teach you how design features and game consoles developed in different generations. This will help you understand the history of video games and provide insights for game development.
Esports Coach
eSports Coaches are responsible for training, managing, and providing strategy to professional eSports teams. This course will help you build a foundation for understanding the professional eSports landscape, including the history of game consoles and their games.
Game Journalist
Game Journalists are responsible for writing about and reviewing video games. This course will teach you how design features and game consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations. This foundation will help you understand the technical side of game development and critique modern video games.
eSports Caster
eSports Casters are responsible for providing commentary and analysis for professional eSports matches. This course will teach you how design features and game consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations. This foundation will help you understand the history and evolution of eSports.
Video Game Historian
Video Game Historians are responsible for studying and documenting the history of video games. This course will teach you how design features, game consoles and legal issues have influenced the development of video games throughout history.
Video Game Executive
Video Game Executives are responsible for leading and managing video game companies. This course will teach you how the legal issues faced by the industry have shaped the future of video games.
Video Game Lawyer
Video Game Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice to video game companies and professionals. This course will teach you how the legal issues faced by the industry have shaped the future of video games.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s.
Provides a detailed account of the console wars between Sega and Nintendo in the 1990s, covering the technological advancements, marketing strategies, and cultural impact of this rivalry.
This comprehensive history of video games provides a broader context for the developments covered in the course, tracing the evolution of the industry from its origins to the late 2000s.
While more technical in nature, this book provides valuable insights into software design patterns used in game development, which can enhance the understanding of the technical challenges and solutions encountered during the course.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of video game design principles, covering topics such as level design, storytelling, and game mechanics, which can enhance the understanding of the course material.

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