[spectre] MA Computer Game Studies

[Graeme Kirkpatrick]

MA Computer Game Studies

From October 2003, Northumbria University will be the first in the English
speaking world to offer a Master of Arts degree in Video Game Studies. The
degree will look at computer games as cultural artefacts worthy of serious
scholarly attention. The history, sociology and cultural significance of
games like ‘Centipede’, ‘Black & White’, and ‘Grand Theft Auto’ will be
explored using a range of interpretative and analytical methodologies.

The course has the following aims:
• To introduce the idea that the video game is an expressive
cultural medium of broad scope and significance
• Review the main interpretive strategies and methods that have been
used to analyse the computer game as a cultural phenomenon
• Encourage students to draw on sources from more than one
discipline to develop critical perspectives on computer games
These will be realized through discussion of the following themes:
• The history of computer games
• The diverse narrative genres of computer game and the conceptual
and analytical frameworks with which to categorise them
• Comparison and integration of perspectives on the ‘game play’
situation
• The socio-technical basis of game production and classification of
games templates
• The changing demographics of computer game consumption, including
the question of gender
• Development of critical perspectives on games playing
The degree has been welcomed as a 'very exciting development' by Jason
Della Rocca, president of the International Game Developers Association,
and we hope to involve the growing number of UK based storyline
consultancies in the delivery of some classes. Computer games are an
educational resource, a medium for self-expression and a professional
sport. Graduates from the degree will be able to contribute to the
development of a new cultural industry. They will be extremely well-placed
to find work in the following areas:
• Story-line and character consultancy
• Game journalism
• Game testing
• Games retail
• Digital archiving

In a small way, the existence of a course that is dedicated to analysing
the meaning of computer games will contribute to the growing self-
confidence of the computer games industry as a cultural, as well as
technical and economic force in contemporary society. Our graduates will
find that they have the expertise to ensure that people and society get
the games they deserve. This expertise is likely to be of increasing value
as games technology continues to develop.
Anyone with a good honours degree and a genuine interest in computer games
is welcome to study on the degree. Applications are being considered now.
For further information and an application form, contact:
Dr Graeme Kirkpatrick, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Northumbria
University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 8ST.
Tel: 0191 227 3413
graeme.kirkpatrick at unn.ac.uk