IMDCGD101 - Introduction to Critical Game Studies

Hello everyone!

As a part of my Computer Games Design BA (Hons) degree at university I am required to make a blog that reflects my engagement with games as a fan, developer and critical thinker... so here it is.


This first blog post comes just after we did our first exercise where we had to interview another member of our class/group and find out about their tastes in art and culture, however, as this is my blog and not the person that I interviewed, I am going to put down the answers that I gave to each of the questions. The 8 questions and their answers are below.

1. What is the title of book (fiction) you are currently reading (or the last fiction book that you read)?

• The last fiction book that I read was City of Snakes by Darren Shan. Darren Shan is typically a young adult/teenage author, however, City of snakes is the third book in his 'City Trilogy' series of books that are aimed at an older audience. The book is a Crime book which has many supernatural elements to it (such as Inca priests) which creates an interesting blend that makes it a compelling read.

2. What is the title/topic of the book (non-fiction) you are currently reading (or the last non-fiction book you read)?

• The last non-fiction book that I read was a book that told the story of when BBC's Top Gear went to Bolivia to film their latest special. It was an OK book to read, but not as entertaining as watching the program itself.

3. What is the last live performance (music, drama or dance) you attended?

• The last live performance that I saw was seeing the British rock band Muse at Wembley Stadium in London on Friday 10th September. It was one of the best nights of my life, they did one of the best live performances that I've ever seen and they had a great stage presence and knew how to get the audience going. The variety of support acts with them were also very good with the likes of Lily Allen and Big Pink. Truly, an awe-inspiring night.

4. What is the title of the last film you saw at the cinema/online or watched on DVD?

• The last film I watched was The Departed on DVD. I never saw it at the cinema and got it on a whim and at recommendation of a friend. It is a very good crime film which keeps the viewer very captive and tense as they watch the numerous plot twists that unfold. 

5. How often do you read a newspaper (which one?)

• The quite simple answer is... I don't read the newspaper - I don't even watch or news on TV or read it on-line. I probably should take more of an interest in the happenings of the world but I can never bring myself to do it...

6. Which art gallery/museum/exhibition did you last visit?

• The last of such places that I visited was Le Louvre in France almost a year ago. I've never been much of an art person, I respect the ability to draw/paint/sculpt but I don't take an active interest in the subject of art and as such I wasn't blown away by Le Louvre. Particularly the Mona Lisa, it's nothing special!

7. How many hours a week do you spend playing video games?

• I typically spend 6-7 hours a day, though it can vary, therefore I roughly spend 40+ hours a week on video games. I am an avid gamer (hence why I am doing a Computer Games Design degree) and enjoy playing games and thinking up my own games. Hopefully, through doing well in this course I will be able to get a better understanding of game development and ultimately a job in the games industry.

8. How many hours a week do you spend playing games other than video games?

• I don't spend much time playing other games. I used to play board games with my older sister all the time when we were younger and would build things with Lego, etc, etc. however, as time has gone on the amount that I do these things has dropped to, at most, an hour a week - most of the time though I don't play them at all.

So there we have it, my first blog post is done. Hopefully now you have an understanding of my tastes in art and culture and therefore what may or may not inspire me in my future games designs and have a better insight into the world that is Adam Woodhouse.

For now in my Critical Games Blogs... that's all folks!