Making entertainment academic
Research Themes
Video games are sometimes called comprehensive entertainment. Graphics, sound, story, production, and interactivity. Over 40 years have passed since video games became a successful industry, and the business model has changed dramatically, and development technology continues to evolve. However, no matter how these things change, the determining factor for consumers to pay money remains the same: the game.
Do you think the game is interesting?
is.
How do we create an interesting game? In recent years, this has been organized in the form of game design. There are also efforts to link it to various issues, have players actively solve problems, and link it to educational methods.
Activities
The aim of this seminar is to teach the basics of engineering thinking and scientific methods by having students "think up and create an interesting game in their own way" and "research games that they find interesting from various perspectives, such as business and design." Ultimately, the goal is for students to find learning itself enjoyable.
While participating in various group activities, each student will decide on their own research topic in consultation with the teacher individually. Since the seminar time is mainly exercises and student presentations, I don't have much time to teach anything. However, of course, if you strongly insist on "what you want to make" or "what you want to know," I will actively support you.
Student Voices
Department of Commerce Abe Shunsuke
I chose the theme of "video game bugs" because I found the bugs in the Pokemon games I used to play amusing. I also experienced VR (virtual reality) in the lab and was surprised to see a world that was just like reality. It reminded me of the terrible impact of bugs, and how frightening it would be if this virtual world were to become chaotic because of bugs. Many people in the seminar share the same hobbies, so we have lively conversations and spend our time meaningfully. We also have drinking parties to deepen our friendships with the professors and seminar students.
Department of Economics Kodai Hasegawa
My theme is "Virtual economy in multiplayer online RPGs." My professor asked me, "Why don't you create a board game that teaches economics based on what you have researched?" and I am currently brainstorming various ideas to try it. In the seminar, we are given the opportunity to try new things such as "game creation." Even if something seems difficult, when I try it, I make interesting discoveries and have fun.