ビデオゲーム研究

For the first class, after brief introductions (5-10 min), we will give a general overview of the field of game studies (15 min). The remaining time will be a guided discussion of the two main components at play, game elements and narrative elements, and how they work together to create the unique experience of the video game medium (30 min).

Each subsequent meeting will begin with a check-in among the participants: what have you been playing, and what have you been working on? (5-10 min). We will then look at particular classic and modern games to discuss the elements of gameplay and narrative that make them fun and rich in thematic material.

Week 2: Super Mario Bros 3 & Super Mario Maker

Week 3: Final Fantasy VI & FFVII

Week 4: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Note: it is not required for students to own or even to have played the games listed. Resources for further study, including articles and youtube videos, will be suggested.