Resources

Texts and Other Useful Links

Textbook:

A Playful Production Process : For Game Designers (and Everyone)

by Richard Lemarchand

Readings for Discussions:

Week 2: AI in Game Development

Generative AI in game design: Enhancing creativity or constraining innovation?

The role of AI in game development and player experience

I made a game using only AI

Week 3: Colonialism in Games

Dreaming of a Postcolonial Video Game

White Protagonism and Imperial Pleasures in Game Design (text, not video)

Week 5: Player-centric Design in Game Monetization

Video Game Monetization

Creating a Player Centric Experience in Games

Reddit Discussion: Player-centric design vs. designer-centric design

Week 6: Future Applications of Virtual Reality in Gaming

The Phenomenon of Presence in Virtual Reality Is Mistakenly Equated with Immersion

VR’s Grand Challenge

Week 7: Orientalism in Video Games

Orientalism, Cyberpunk 2077, and Yellow Peril in Science Fiction

Bonus framework reading: Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Studying Video Games and Orientalism

Week 8: Dating Simulations and Parasocial Romance in the Age of AI

Yearning for Love

Love in the time of AI

As a bonus, optional reading, explore the subreddit r/myboyfriendisai

Week 9: Girls in Game Culture

Girls Playing Games

Bonus:momopill Tiktok Video

Week 10: Cozy Games

Group Report: Coziness in Games

The Problem with Cozy Games

Bonus:Reddit thread