Summer 2014
From Plato
If you would read a man’s Disposition, see him Game:
You will then learn more of him in one hour, than in seven Years
Conversation,
and little Wagers will try him as soon as great Stakes, for then he is off his
Guard.
A Bit About Me…
In digital media since ’95
Started companies in NYC, YYZ and
YVR
Worked in mobile, online, televised, social media, casual and console games.
Everything from the N-Gage to MMA.
A Bit About Me…
Started the VFS game design program
Visiting prof in grad program at CDM
Taught at SIAT in 2006 and 2007
A Bit About Me…
I’m teaching this class because I get curious about the state of games & play
Not really an academic, so my approach might be a little bit different
TAs will keep us all in-line when it comes to SFU methodology & requirements A Bit About You…
Mainly second or third year students
WIDE range of disciplines
Even WIDER range of languages
A Bit About You…
Mainly PC users
Not especially technical, which is fine
Not many gamers, but plenty of smartphone users
A Bit About You…
Interesting blend of casual and hard-core
Broad preference of game genres: board, shooters, strategy, puzzles, arcade, etc
A lot of time wasters : only one gambler A Bit About You…
Want to learn how to make games (31%)
The future of games (19%)
Games and popular culture (17%)
The business of games (15%)
A Bit About Us…
Course topics will include:
cultural fit
traditional games
digital games
storytelling
technology
business
alternatives
A Bit About Us…
Course activities will include:
readings, old and new
in-class exercises
submitted analysis
comparative media
game-based assignments
A Bit About Us…
Course outcomes will include:
thinking critically about games
provide analysis of game designs
understand the user experience
exposure to a range of games
seeing the cultural fit
forecasting