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Lawrence University's Film Studies 290 course, Introduction to Game Studies, has provided students with a platform to explore their passion for video gaming while delving into the history, culture, and business aspects of the industry. Angela Vanden Elzen, associate professor and reference and learning technologies librarian at Lawrence, highlighted the strong interest students have in video games, stating, “There is a big community of students on campus who are very interested in games, and video games in particular.”

The course, which was offered during the Winter Term and is set to return in the fall, has attracted significant attention from students looking to merge personal interests with academic pursuits. Vanden Elzen emphasized the importance of critically analyzing the media consumed, encouraging students to consider how games represent individuals and cultures, and to assess the quality of game design.

During the Winter Term, students had the unique opportunity to engage with industry professionals like Lawrence alumnus Josh Sawyer '98, a design director at Obsidian Entertainment. Sawyer, known for his work on popular titles such as Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, shared insights with students about the development process of video games. One of Sawyer's recent projects, the historical role-playing game Pentiment, received a nomination for a 2024 Peabody Award in the Immersive & Interactive category.

Vanden Elzen and José Lozano, film studies program support coordinator, have designed the Introduction to Game Studies course to offer students a comprehensive exploration of games through theoretical and cultural perspectives. Students not only engage with assigned readings and lectures but also immerse themselves in gameplay, analyzing various aspects of games based on the course's principles.

As part of the course requirements, students are tasked with evaluating their chosen game, developing arguments about its design, and presenting their findings. The final exam in Winter Term saw students collaborating to create their own video games and pitching them to a panel of "CEOs."

The course has inspired students to explore diverse game concepts, from Western role-playing games to narrative experiences set in high schools. Marcus Jackson, a global studies major, and Nayla Brunnbauer, a film studies and theatre arts double major, are among the students who have embraced the opportunity to bring their creative gaming ideas to life.

Lawrence University's Introduction to Game Studies course continues to fuel students' passion for video gaming while fostering critical thinking and creativity within the realm of game studies.