ENG324H5: Topics in Game Studies - Classic Games
Undergraduate-level course in the Department of English & Drama, University of Toronto Mississauga
Course description
A concentrated study of one facet of Game Studies, such as a genre, mechanic, or era in gaming, an aspect of game design, production, or reception, or the application of a specific critical approach. Topics may vary from year to year.
This course explores what makes a game a classic by examining its enduring impact across multiple dimensions. We will analyze games through five key criteria:
- Design: How gameplay mechanics and narrative design persist in public memory.
- Economic: The role of re-releases and circulation across platforms and generations.
- Mimicry: How games inspire replication and adaptation in other titles.
- Cultural: Influence on the evolution of games and popular culture.
- Discourse: Sustained critical acclaim and ongoing player engagement.
Through these lenses, students will engage with the historical, technological, and cultural forces that shape the legacy of classic games. By examining surrounding discourses and industry practices, the course invites students to question how and why certain games achieve iconic status. This is a collaborative course where students actively decide what games we will examine each week in the course, taking into consideration relevant criteria and discourse. Students are expected to attend and participate in all class activities, which include playing, researching, and presenting on the games.
Syllabi
Winter 2026 (Forthcoming)