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This course explores a wider view of games and society. Topics include: 1. Ethics, Social Issues, and Games: How are various segments of the population portrayed in games? Specific focus will be on the representation of women and minorities in games, discussions of violence in games, games addiction, and how design choices affect, and are affected by, society. 2. Applied Games: Games are primarily used for entertainment purposes. But many argue that they could and should also be used for other purposes where motivation is important, such as games for learning, games for training, games for health, and games for behaviour change. 3. Bi-culturalism in Games: Maori themes and motivations in games are important in the New Zealand context. How can game designers better support a Maori audience specifically, and various cultures more generally?
1. Students will be able to describe the portrayal of various segments of society in games, in particular underrepresented groups2. Students will be able to critically discuss the use of violence in video games, issues of game addiction and how game choices affect society and vice versa3. Students will be able to discuss how game designers can better support diverse audiences and needs4. Students will be able to discuss game design decisions for the bicultural context in Aotearoa - New Zealand, for Māori audience in particular, and international cultures more generally5. Students will understand the application and theory behind the use of game technologies and design elements for entertainment as well as non-entertainment purposes such as therapy, rehabilitation, education, health etc.
one of COSC101 or PROD121 or DIGI101
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Simon Hoermann
Wendy Zhang
Historical Context Article 15%User Models 15%Cultural Critique Essay 25%Ethics Case Analysis 25%Game Evaluation Project (group assignment) 20%
Domestic fee $844.00
International fee $3,950.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Product Design .