Digital Games and Gaming Cultures

Module description

This module will provide students with an introduction to digital games and gaming cultures and the key academic debates and discussions surrounding them. In doing so, the module will examine how digital games have developed into the varied medium we know today. In particular, the module will focus upon defining the medium, the functions of games, as well as issues of representation within games and the various cultures that surround them, including (but not exhaustively), game production cultures, eSports, streaming, modding and game piracy.

The first half of the module will consider issues to do with establishing how we might define games, what functions they can have in social and economic life and the major areas of theoretical interest within game studies. The second half of the module will examine some of cultures surrounding gaming, (indicatively, but not exhaustively, modding, cracking, streaming, eSports and game piracy) and, in doing so, will particularly focus upon the politics of representation surrounding games and their associated cultures.

Assessment details

Coursework weighted at 100% - 3,000-word essay

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to: 

• Introduce students to ways of defining games as well as exploring the multiple functions that games can have as social connectors, collaborative hubs, learning tools, pastimes, artworks, etc.

• Outline the main theoretical approaches within game studies.

• Critically explore both representation within games and also the way gamers/gaming cultures are constructed and represented more broadly.

• Explore the cultural and social organisation of the various cultures and practices surrounding games.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to: 

• Understand the varying ways of defining games and the multiple functions that games may have within social and economic life.

• Interrogate the main theoretical approaches within game studies.

• Critically analyse the politics of representation within games and gaming cultures.

• Understand and critique the cultural and social organisation of a variety of cultures and practices surrounding games

Teaching pattern

Ten one-hour lectures and ten one-hour seminars

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.