A History of Gaming: From Pinball and Monopoly to Minecraft and Wordle
Robert began his journey in video games by combining his love of music, sound and games as a freelance sound designer. Once he realized his passion for game development extended beyond audio, Robert entered Southern Methodist University’s prestigious Guildhall program as a game designer in 2007. After graduation, Rob worked on such titles as “Bioshock Infinite,” “Batman: Arkham Origins” and “Prey 2” — all during his five years at Human Head Studios. His personal favorite title, however, was 2011’s cult hit “Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon,” developed while at Vicious Cycle Software.
After working for three years in Silicon Valley for 21st Century Fox and Disney at Cold Iron Studios on “Aliens: Fireteam Elite,” Rob was appointed to the faculty of Purdue University in 2019. He is now a Professor of Practice in the Computer Graphics Technology department, teaching game design, level design and game audio. Robert has also authored two books for Kendall Hunt, including “Game Design Essentials” and “Applied Game History.”
Overview
In the 19th century, publisher Milton Bradley created The Checkered Game of Life, which launched the board game industry. Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, an inventor named Montague Redgrave submitted a patent for “Improvements in Bagatelles,” thereby creating the precursor to the modern-day pinball machine. Over a century later, games are everywhere: in your home, at the arcade, and in your pocket!
From crossword puzzles to Minecraft to Wordle, is there anyone who does not play games today? In this fun class, Professor Howard will examine the history of games, beginning with the industrial revolution and how it influenced the demand for leisure activities from the first coin-operated amusements to the rise of digital entertainment in the late 20th century. We’ll look at: how the 19th century gave us our first true game designers, the Prussian war game that influenced every video game played today, and the circus carnival worker-turned-entrepreneur who turned the world upside down by creating Atari. Not only will you learn where the games we play come from, but you might just learn something about why humans play them in the first place.
Recommended Reading:
Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons, by Jon Peterson
The Ultimate History of Video Games, by Stephen L. Kent
It’s All a Game: The History of Board Games from Monopoly to Settlers of Catan, by Tristan Donovan
Discussion Questions:
- What is your favorite game to play?
- Is there a game from your youth that isn’t played anymore that you wish was still around?
- H.G. Wells developed his game called “Little Wars” despite being a pacifist. Why do you think many games focus on martial conflict?