Introduction to Game Studies and Analysis

After the course the student

- is able to understand and use the basic concepts of modern Game Studies and discuss the subject in a professional way,

- has a fundamental knowledge of the history and traditions of board and video games,

- can utilize games, gamer cultures, and design decisions as possible source materials for further studies, within their main subjects,

- has an initial grasp of understanding game media, its genres, gaming cultures, and game design praxes in modern society,

- can perform basic independent game studies, write reviews, and analyze game designs, and

- has sufficient critical tools to continue into more advanced Game Studies.

A detailed reading list will be provided to the students at the beginning of the course.

If the course is taken as independent studies choose three of these as required literature. Essay topics will be given accordingly:

- Anna Anthropy & Naomi Clark; A Game Design Vocabulary, 2014
- Ian Bogost, Persuasive Games, 2007
- Wendy Despain et. al, 100 Principles of Game Design, 2013
- Simon Egenfeldt-Nielsen et al., Understanding Video Games, 2013
- Clara Fernandez-Vara, Introduction to Game Analysis, 2015
- George Skaff Elias, Richard Garfield and K. Robert Gutschera, Characteristics of Games, 2020
- Mary Flanagan & Helen Nissenbaum, Values at Play in Digital Games, 2014
- Jesper Juul, Half-Real. Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds, 2011
- Frans Mäyrä, An Introduction to Game Studies, 2008
- Michael J. Tresca, The Evolution of Fantasy Role-playing Games, McFarland, 2014

Completion methods

Contact teaching, compulsory attendance minimum 75%.

Alternative methods (like independent studies) of completion may be agreed upon with the academic coordinator of the programme. The course can not be taken as an Examinarium test.

Assessment practices and criteria

The assessment is based on the learning outcomes of the course. More detailed assessment criteria and methods will be available before or at the start of the course.

Activities and methods in support of learning

Learning is supported by using a wide range of methods that contribute to understanding Game Studies as a discipline. Students are also encouraged to actively reflect, to acquire information independently and to develop their own reasoning skills. In addition, special attention is paid to interactive communication with students.

The course includes a final compulsory essay reflecting upon the course and the whole topic of Game Studies. Deadline for this is after the lessons have finished.

Target groups

Primary target group: The study module and course units are open to all students and exchange students of the Faculty of Humanities.

Secondary target group: Limited student participation within the continuous learning offerings and students from other study tracks and faculties.

In case of excessive applications, students intending to take the whole module will have priority to the contact course. 

Teaching period when the course will be offered

Period 1, yearly

Recommended time or stage of studies for completion

Recommended for students with at least one year of studies within their respective main subjects.

Study module

Part of Historical and Cultural Game studies HISM-G510. A compulsory course for taking the 15 cr module.

Expiry of studies

Normal rules (10 years)

Language of instruction

Language of instruction is English. Language of learning is English but also Swedish and Finnish if taken as independent studies. Swedish and Finnish are possible for any tasks submitted only to the teacher.

Course EQF level 

Master's/EQF level 7. Also possible for level 6 (Bachelor) students.