Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Cultural Immersion In Gaming: Ethiopian Influences In Horizon Forbidden West, Henoch Tilahun

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

This paper examines the immersive incorporation of Ethiopian culture in the video game "Horizon Forbidden West," focusing on visual, narrative, and thematic themes. It explains how the game represents Ethiopian legacy and custom by examining architectural design, landscape portrayal, mythological integration, and character representation. The paper uses different academic works and gaming articles and emphasizes the game's ability to inspire empathy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for cultural diversity, as well as cross-cultural appreciation and understanding. It also investigates the importance of ethical and responsible game production approaches in ensuring accurate cultural portrayal. Finally, this paper examines the transformative power of cultural …

Scientific Frontiers In Game Studies, Prthvi Kapilavai

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Video game studies as a dynamic field has benefited from this synthesis of the scientific method and critical theories that, together, enrich our understanding of video games as both technological artifacts and cultural products.(Girina and Jung, 2019). More than a mere shadow-boxing between disciplinary echo chambers, this kind of integration enriches our understanding of video game form and experience while projecting a more informed path forward into game design and game scholarship. It demonstrates how findings from psychology and cognitive science describe or explain video games’ enticement or their potential for learning, and how theories of media from the humanities …

A Deep Dive On The Groundbreak Role Of Role Playing Games, Lawton Fong

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Role-playing games (RPGs) have revolutionized the gaming industry, fundamentally altering the way we engage with and perceive games. RPGs are defined by their emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay, character development, and immersive worlds. Originating from tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), RPGs have evolved into complex digital experiences that allow players to interact with richly detailed virtual environments and storylines. This genre's growth has been propelled by advances in technology, expanding from simple text-based adventures to fully realized 3D worlds. Overall, role-playing games have significantly influenced the gaming landscape and transformed our perceptions of games as interactive experiences by advancing …

Finding Identities: Identities In Video Games From A Gender, Race, And Identity Representation, Osayame Erinmwingbovo

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

In this paper I will bring light to the exploration of gender, race, and identity in video games. While also having a focus on how the representation crosses with social and cultural contexts. I will be researching different games from many different genres, which will show light to the way video games reflect and shape societal attitudes towards gender, race, and identity. When using close textual analysis and theoretical framework from topics that include critical race theory, media, and feminist theory. This research will help to seek to explore the nuances and complexities of representation in gaming which implicates video …

From Pong To Narrative: The Evolution Of Ai In Gaming, Muhammad Assaf

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

As video games evolve, the role of artificial intelligence also referred to as AI has been essential. Games have come a long way from being small and having rudimentary logic to being extremely complex and narrative-driven. This research paper will dive into the vast history of AI in gaming, following its path from the simple ball-paddle mechanics of Pong, to the intricate entanglements presented in modern games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and more. The interplay between game design and AI development doesn’t just show how far we have come in technological advancement, but rather it …

Exploring The Shift In Player Enthusiasm Towards Games, David Daniel

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Video games, providing a constant source of excitement have been an integral part of the lives of many enthusiasts, helping shape childhoods and providing a source of entertainment and social interaction between friends and strangers. From the joy of unboxing the Wii with siblings back in the day, all the way to playing multiplayer battle royales and among us with our friends over the pandemic, the gaming platform has been an ever changing and dynamic experience. However, with time, a noticeable split emerged among peers who once shared the same joy of running home and putting on the headset. Some …

An Analysis Of The Debate And How It Changed Everything: Narratology Vs. Ludology, Robert Veloya

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Video games will rot your brain. Something that people have told us during its inception into the modern world; however, little did they know that the video game industry will one day take its place in the world as one of the best mediums to tell a story and challenge its audience. The video game industry is an ever-growing industry where innovation flows through its veins causing it to grow into a field that is more immersive and compelling. Video games have also evolved into a field of study, a discipline that dives deep into what makes them a unique …

What You Don't See: The Impact Of Hidden Game Mechanics On Players, Jan Virsunen

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Since the rise of technology in the early nineteen sixties the art of gaming became an increasingly popular form of entertainment for many people throughout the years. As time progressed so did the advancements in technology which allowed for video games to become more immersive, captivating, and complex. Due to these advancements in tech, it generated a wide variety of ways for developers to increase game complexities. However, as the complexity of video games has increased, so too has the number of hidden game mechanics. These game mechanics are seen as the underlying systems and rules that govern how the …

Gamerz, Derek Kwok

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Gaming - it is a hobby enjoyed by many and easily accessible for all. But what is considered gaming? A game can be classified as something to do for past time or as an amusement. As it is defined in the oxford dictionary “gaming” can be categorized into two definitions: 1.the playing of games developed to teach something or to help solve a problem, as in a military or business situation, or 2. Digital Technology. the playing of computer or video games. According to the definition on Dictionary.com, board games or physical games can still be considered gaming. Definition two …

Psychological Effects Of Video Games, Myles Johnson

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Through the birth of the computer, our world has seen a rapid advancement in the multi-faceted use of this technology. The advancements in computers brought about the invention of video game consoles. Basically a different type of computer. Game consoles today are all basically computers, they contain a hard drive and operating system just like a computer (Daniel, 2012). Without even looking into the harmful effects of what a regular computer has on the brain and eyes of a person, one can assume that it is not beneficial to spend hours on one every day or even every other day. …

The Social Problems And Benefits Of Video Games, Steven Ly

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

In today’s society, video games have improved and increased alongside technology. Many games have made many communities increase their social media intake and gaming addiction. In the uprise of video games, multiple genres of video games have been created to contain the gamer. This paper will discuss the number of negatives and positives that affect a video gamer. We will also discuss other factors that could correlate to games involving people. The downsides and upsides of video gaming will primarily revolve around social problems that gamers develop and or positive outcomes from gaming. We will dive into the topics such …

Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Kelly Stone-Patrick

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Looking back on life there are so many memories that have truly made a lasting impact, these can include different vacations, accomplishments, and family, but have you ever had one that included a game or video game? From my personal experience, Tony Hawk Pro Skater has been one of those memories for me from childhood and now as an adult. Tony Hawk Pro Skater was a key part of my enjoyment and leisure as a child while also providing me with memories of time spent with my older brothers. In this paper, we will be highlighting the different elements of …

Mechanics Of Ascension Through Genshin Impact, Megan Chao

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Genshin Impact, or Genshin for short, is a free roleplaying, open-world, adventure video game released for Playstation 4, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android on September 28th, 2020. Since its initial release, the game has gained considerable recognition for its storytelling ability, in-depth lore, and amazing character and world-building design. They were awarded Apple’s “Game of the Year” in 2020 and have grossed over $100 million from in-app iOS purchases alone.

Difficulty In Video Games, Jason Bechdolt

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Throughout time games have been utilized for a great variety of purposes: relaxing leisure, competitive activity, intellectual exercise, and many other sources of enjoyment. The element of difficulty has existed in various degrees throughout all of those game styles, usually found through the skill of an opponent, but lately many games have been designed to have a digital opponent to provide that difficulty. With access to more information than ever before, people have gotten the chance to witness lives and worlds that they can never physically enjoy, and this has led to a considerable market for games that can provide …

Rip Curl: Community Activism For The Coast (The Ux Phase, Rip Curl And Sustainability, The Ui Phase), John Delacruz

Assignment Prompts

ADV 132 enables students to explore the craft and process of user experience and user interface design. They develop their skills within the context of a specific brief. The aim is to offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a particular problem and come up with creative solutions that will come to life on digital media platforms.

Community Table Project, Kohar Scott

Assignment Prompts

Food insecurity is a real issue unfortunately faced by many students at SJSU. The SJSU Spartan Food Pantry is a walk-in, full-service, staffed, food assistance program that provides a resource for students to receive non-perishable goods, fresh produce, and refrigerated items to eligible students. Imagine that our SJSU Spartan Food Pantry was redesigned with a more ecology-focused "systems approach" like loopstore.com.

Designed by students and for students, what do you want to see available and how can you improve the package and delivery? Pick a product that you would like to see available at the SJSU Spartan Food …

Building A More Sustainable And Accessible Internet: Lightweight Web Design With Html And Css, Chelsea Thompto

Assignment Prompts

While the internet has great potential to bring people together, if the internet was a country, it would be the 7th largest energy consumer on the planet. This is set to increase in years to come moving the internet even higher on this list to become the 4th largest energy consumer if it were to be a country. So, as artists and digital citizens it is imperative that we understand how to create and display the content we produce online in ways that are sustainable and accessible.
This assignment, while slated for Art 109, may be slotted into an earlier …

Tolkien: Scholar And Modern Game Pioneer, Alicia Breinke

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

History can be a necessity, or necessary evil for some people when we want to comprehend real-time issues or trends. Gaming is a trend that applies to this since we often seem to be drawn in by the excitement of the graphics, music, and storylines, yet it seems like people seldomly try to uncover their origins. At the same time, though, a game’s historic foundation is essential to understand since it can help us gain a greater appreciation for these experiences. Role play games are an exceptional example of this since many renowned ones have external influences. J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The …

Has Excessive Violence In Video Games Gone Too Far?, Kyra Sycip

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Numerous case studies and published research have led many gamers and non-gamers to wonder whether the excessive loads of violence found in video games is truly necessary for “fun” gameplay and entertainment. Controversies have been arising within famous video games such as the Grand Theft Auto series, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Six Days in Fallujah. These three games have been the subject of numerous present day debates and have sparked many arguments within the gaming community. As well as the debate of whether these games are indeed harmful to the player’s psychology and nature has yet to …

Sound In Video Games: How Sound Is An Important Aspect Of The Virtual Experience, James Boen

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

This paper will take the form of an analysis, with video games as the medium/text that will be analysed. Although analysis is typically reserved for poems, books, short stories, or plays, video games are simply a form of conveying ideas and a form of text that is representative of the 21st century. Video games is a rare medium that has an interactive element, which can alter/enhance the experience an audience member can have, even if there were the same audio/visual components in a film or play. In most forms of media with an audio component, the analysis is done by …

How This War Of Mine Creates Empathy For Virtual Characters, Cole Pergerson

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Is it possible to empathize with virtual characters? Are game characters just a means for game and story progress or can we develop a strong emotional connection with them? In this research essay, I analysis This War of Mine, a game about surviving a worn torn city where food is limited, and the player must make difficult moral decisions survive. The player controls a small group of characters who all need to be feed, get enough sleep, may need medical care, and other human needs. To look how This War of Mine creates empathy for the virtual characters, I will …

Human/Artificial Intelligence Coordination In Video Games, Michael Rodriguez

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

The emergence of video games has led to widespread inventions to enhance the reality of the experience. As a result, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) was developed to create virtual experiences and attract a variety of players of video games. This paper will discuss video games in the context of Human-A.I. interaction and the importance of human coordination in video games. Unprecedented errors have been a common challenge in this relationship. An excellent example of these algorithms include population-based training and self-play, which have gained a lot of interest in video games. A.I. technology has surpassed human ability because they are simply …

Art 175 Website V1.0 Using Html5 And Css3, Gary Craig Hobbs

All Assignment Prompts

No abstract provided.

How Live Streaming And Twitch Have Changed The Gaming Industry, Krystal Ruiz

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Live streaming in itself has become a booming industry in which its content consists of “streamers” who live broadcast numerous events and real-time interactions while simultaneously chatting with viewers drawing huge and increasing numbers (Adamovich). Twitch has especially excelled at garnering attention as one of the most popular live streaming platforms that focuses on broadcasting and viewing video game content (Adamovich). Twitch has grown rapidly within the last few years asserting its dominance as one of the major forces in the games industry and becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry (Adamovich). For example, according to Descrier, in 2016 there were approximately 292 …

The Impact Of Shigeru Miyamoto On The Game Design Industry, Luan Tran

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Nintendo started as a small company in the 1970s that sold playing cards. Having seen the exemplary gift in his son, Miyamoto's father arranged for an interview with the president of Nintendo Hiroshi Yamauchi. Consequently, Miyamoto got a position in 1977 as an apprentice in the planning department after showing his toy creations to the president. He became the first Nintendo artist as he helped create the art for the first original coin-operated arcade game. The approach demonstrated his innate abilities that would help him become the ultimate guru in the industry. Through individual discovery, Miyamoto has managed to produce …

The History Of Nintendo: The Company, Consoles And Games, Laurie Takeda

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

From the start, Nintendo has evolved overall as a company; from a playing card manufacturer to developing a wide variety of video game consoles and video games that are played worldwide, they continue to research and expand upon what the company can offer.

The Benefits Of Being The Player, Marc Velayo

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Gaming, specifically video games has affected everyone’s lives since its creation during the early 1970s. From being a form of entertainment to being an instructional material for class--the impact of gaming is highly visible in our society. The future of gaming is getting bigger--with the creation of various video games genres, consoles etc. Gaming is exponentially rising with the advancement of technology. With its exponential growth, video games or gaming should be used in our society not just as a form of entertainment, but as a tool for education and self-growth.

How Do Video Games Affect The Brain?, Kenneth Lee

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Video games are a wildly popular past time in not only America, but other countries as well. Its popularity has done nothing but increase in an exponential fashion, engulfing more and more members of society in its reach; however, its gaining traction in combination with behavioral observations and frequent violent events compelled many to question its effects on those who play them. Some attribute tragedies like recent school shootings to the vast array of First Person Shooter(FPS) games, blaming it for engraining in adolescents’ and adults’ brains a sense of increased aggression and violence. Others praise educational games for stimulating …

Usage And Effects Of Video Games In Education, Kevin Sagara

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

In modern society, the act of playing games entices certain prejudices towards those who decide to participate in such activities. Those prejudices normally revolve around negative stereotypes where games are meant for non-social adults and are seen as something akin to addiction if gone too far. But how much gaming is needed to be considered as an addiction and what actual effects does it have on mental growth, social capabilities and academics? As a community revolving around technology as much as we are, understanding how video games play a role in our social space is an important aspect to growth. …

Recreating The Virtual Bullets That Pierces Through The Soul Of Gaming: Video Games And Its Cultural Perception On America’S Violent Homefrontier, Brandon Palomino

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

For the past fifty years, video games have been around as a form of entertainment we consume on a daily basis. Unlike the books and movies seen in pop culture today, video games take us on virtual journeys where people participate in unique gameplay objectives based on player involvement. Because the idea of player engagement was rare at the time, it was inevitable that video games would revolutionize the way we view entertainment onwards. With video games becoming increasingly popular throughout the years, the debate of whether they are truly violent in nature has rubbed many people like myself the …