Games (whether they be video games, console games, computer games, mobile games, or web games) differ from other media as they elevate the viewer to the level of a participant. Games are an ever-growing cultural phenomenon, which has increasing relevance to people's day-to-day lives as well as significant economic importance.

While games are typically "fun", they are also increasingly being developed for primarily non-entertainment uses, such as so-called serious gaming and by the use of gamification. This unit will examine such games as they are used to make social statements and to drive social change; for education and training; for rehabilitation and health; for research; and for art's sake alone.

As games' cultural, societal, and economic importance grows a number of issues are increasingly drawing more attention from the media, interest groups, and research institutions. This unit will examine controversial game content, the effects of game playing, and various ethical concerns.
This unit will expose students to the categories and genres of games; their important features; and the techniques used by successful games and students will get an opportunity to critically review a game of their choosing. Additionally, students will be exposed to the basics of game development technology and game design, as well as learning practical skills for developing games and the application of these in the development of their own small game.This unit will also feature local, national, and international guest speakers who will provide unique personal insights into the workings of the games industry and advice on how to best prepare for employment within it.