Cognitive Science 0107 - Gender & Culture in Game Development: Examining an industry from the margins

Marginalized people have always existed in the games industry, and their contributions have had an indelible impact on the field. This course examines the historic accomplishments of many such individuals as well as the tumultuous backlash they often face from misogynistic and white supremacist movements. Students will research and discuss gaming communities, the political movements and ideologies fostered within them, portrayals of power and identity in games, and the labor conditions under which games are produced. Through a combination of analytical and creative assignments and exercises, students will gain a better understanding of how games have historically been informed and influenced by notions of identity and sociocultural power, and what the greater implications are for the medium's (and the industry's) future. Keywords:gender, culture, feminism, games, power

In/Justice Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time Library Materials: Please list below library materials needed for this course. These may include books, e-resources, journals, films, streaming audio, etc. Books: Gamer Trouble: Feminist Confrontations in Digital Culture by Amanda Phillips, Gamer Girls: 25 Women Who Built the Video Game Industry by Mary Kenney, Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny by Kate Manne, Video Games Have Always Been Queer by Bo Ruberg Games: Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020), Gone Home (2013), Alan Wake II (2023), Goodbye Volcano High (2023), Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024), Grand Theft Auto V (2013), Persona 5 (2016), Heavy Rain (2010), Bayonetta (2010)