This module will take an historical view of the development of computer games from their inception to the present day. It will also discuss their origins in board games, pinball and role-playing games.

The module will look at how computer games have evolved alongside hardware developments in personal computers, hand-held machines, consoles, arcade games and their associated peripherals.

The various genres of game will be explored, including their characteristics and how they have combined, evolving and spawning new genres.

The impact of improvements in computer graphics will also be explored from raster and vector graphics through to 3D modelling.

The module will also discuss topical issues in the gaming community and where games might develop in the future.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to

• Identify the key events, personalities, technologies and games in computer and video game history.
• Describe the various genres of computer game and classify new games according to their genre.
• Identify the various graphical styles used within computer and video games.
• Identify the various platforms and peripherals used within computer and video games.

Assessment is in the form of a single examination at the end of the module.

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