Once a niche industry, gaming has grown into a dominant force in entertainment, generating billions of dollars annually and shaping global culture, with a projected 3.3 billion players worldwide by 2025. While games are primarily known for entertainment, gaming technologies, aesthetics, and design principles are also widely applied in teaching, training, and driving social impact. This class explores the history and evolving landscape of gaming, examining the industry’s ecosystem, player communities, technologies, genres, business models, and global trends. Students will gain an understanding of the video game industry, including its key players, challenges, and opportunities, while exploring the fundamental concepts of games, play, and fun. They will also learn about game design, production, technology, branding, and franchise development, with hands-on opportunities to pitch and design game-related products, services, and brand extensions. Effective Spring 2027, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Creativity/Innovation, Digital/Multimedia Expression.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.