CCT300+Lab1


 * Lab 1**

Computer games are so deeply integrated into everyday life, that they are just as common as movies and television. This has already been the case since 2001, when Computer Game Studies first emerged as a viable, international, academic field. Computer gaming is an activity that is practiced by a considerable demographic. It is popular among both children and adults, as well as both males and females. It is also accessible to anyone who owns a computer (which is virtually an essential item for households that are of at least middle-class standing). This widely popular activity has undoubtedly created tremendous cultural impacts on our society. However, Computer Game Studies is such a rich and diverse subject, that it commonly overlaps with other areas of study (including art history, media studies, aesthetics, sociology etc.).

As of now (2010), Computer Game Studies still does not exist as an independent academic structure. However, the presence of game theory courses within universities is definitely on the rise. The CCT311, Introduction to Game Design and Theory, course offered here at UTM (which I have taken and highly recommend), is an example of this. Similarly, at UC Berkeley, there is a new course being offered that is solely dedicated to analyzing the real time strategy computer game, Starcraft 2 (one of the most competitive computer games in the world). Academic interest in computer games is obviously continuing to grow, and we may see Computer Game Studies emerge as an independent field of study in the near future.

Kyle Martin Manoza