History of Computer Games

This course walks you through the evolution of computer games—from their humble origins to their shiny, screen-filling modern forms. With modules covering the early days, key developments, and today’s gaming culture, it’s the ultimate rewind for those fascinated by pixels, processors, and play.

Each chapter presents a different age of gaming, shedding light on how technology, creativity, and user experience have morphed across time. Whether you’re into retro sprites or modern engines, the content ensures your historical understanding of gaming doesn’t lag behind.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore the early history and development of computer games
• Understand milestones in the rise of gaming popularity
• Examine the evolution from basic systems to advanced consoles
• Identify key eras in digital entertainment and design approaches
• Learn about the technological leaps that changed game history
• Analyse how games shaped and reflected cultural shifts

Who is this Course For:

• Game design students tracing roots of digital entertainment
• Gaming fans exploring how far the industry has come
• Content creators developing retro-inspired digital media
• Educators looking to frame game history contextually
• Writers building narratives around game culture timelines
• Tech students interested in historical digital evolution
• Developers understanding legacy systems and gaming origins
• Anyone curious about the digital path from Pong to now

Career Path:

• Game Historian/Researcher – £30,000/year
• Gaming Journalist – £32,500/year
• Content Creator (Gaming Focus) – £28,000/year
• Game Designer (Retro Focus) – £36,000/year
• Academic Gaming Lecturer – £38,000/year
• Digital Media Analyst – £34,000/year