This course examines the rise and spread of video game cultures from around the world, focusing on the contexts of their origins, proliferation, and (where applicable) their demise. Topics to be covered include arcades, bootlegging and piracy, casual gaming, chiptunes, cosplay, demo cultures, LAN parties, machinima, online fandom, LGTBQ+ gaming culture, BIPOC gaming culture, and videorec cultures. These topics will be considered in light of broader cultural trends, contemporaneous social and political concerns, and relevant technological advancements.
Course Credits
3