Assignment (100%)
A 2500 word fully referenced essay investigating one or more theoretical frameworks within the field of Computer Games Studies.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4]

Formative assessment
Contribution to discussion and critical review in class
Review of draft independent investigation in individually selected format

In this module you will consider a range of computer games products in order to explore the way that they can be discussed in terms of style, performance intentions, target/consumer audiences and social and political context. You will be introduced to established theories that have been developed to allow discussions of media products, which in turn will help you express intentions when working in the industry. You will consider theories in the context of the changing situation that has arisen due to the introduction of new technologies and the increase in avenues and opportunities for reaching an audience.

Computer games involve a wide range of disciplines that overlap and interrelate, and recent advances in technology have opened up new opportunities to reach audiences, such as through online platforms and through interactive or immersive approaches. Newer ways of reaching an audience cannot be evaluated without reference to the development of computer games, both in the UK and internationally. In this module you will explore different theories in relation to examples of computer games and related media, in order to apply established theoretical concepts to discuss games in a detailed and coherent way.

We live in a culture where we are exposed to interactive media from an early age, even before we have learned to speak: viewing and comprehension can become automatic and we do it without thinking. When you are employed as a games developer you will need to be able to bring these thought processes to the fore in order to discuss your own work and that of others, and share your ideas using professional and industry recognised language. In this module you will develop the skills and vocabulary to do this, through the investigation of established theoretical approaches to analysis, enabling you to have greater insight into games products. This will lead to enriched readings of other people’s work, uncovering how meaning is created through a variety of creative and technical processes and evolving technical conventions. Through your greater understanding of other people’s work, and the theoretical frameworks used to describe them, you will be able to articulate your own ideas and intentions more clearly.

In developing your own knowledge of the theoretical approaches to evaluating computer games, you will gain wider insights into the influence of social context, and the impact this has on games art and games design. Throughout the module you will achieve this by reviewing a range of different media products and evaluating them using the theoretical frameworks you are studying.

You will explore Performance Studies through the following strategies:
• Initial briefing outlining the module requirements, including assessment explanations
• Viewing of computer games products
• Lectures in theory
• Seminars discussing different frameworks for screen examples
• Formative discussions
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Negotiation of a topic for personal investigation.
• Independent research and presentation of information
• 1:1 tutorials
To extend the learning that takes place in class your will be expected to engage in independent study outside of timetabled sessions.

Video projector
Wide range of clips
Seminar room
Audio Software
Post-production software

Carr, D. (2006) Computer Games: Text, Narrative and Play: Polity
Gillespie, M. and Toynbee, J. (2006) Analysing Media Texts (Volume 4) (Issues in Culture / Media Studies): Open University Press
Raessens, J. (2011) Handbook of Computer Game Studies: MIT Press
Storey, J. (2012) Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction: Routledge
Strinati, D. (2004) An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture: Routledge
Vara-Fernandez, D. (2014) An Introduction to Game Analysis: Routledge

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF A RANGE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS USED TO CONSIDER COMPUTER GAMES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. MAKE CRITICAL READINGS OF A RANGE OF COMPUTER GAMES USING APPROPRIATE THEORETICAL APPROACHES.
[Analysis]

3. DEVELOP CLEAR AND COHERENT ARGUMENTS, USING APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE, TO DISCUSS A RANGE OF COMPUTER GAMES.
[Communication]

4. EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT THEORETICAL APPROACHES IN ORDER TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CLOSE TEXTUAL READINGS OF COMPUTER GAMES.
[Problem Solving]