GAME312

Video games constitute a multi-billion-dollar industry that has been consistently growing in recent years. Video game industry can be divided in two: corporate game studios and independent gamers. Independent gamers include several activities that can be performed individually at home or within small self-owned businesses, such as independent game development, competitive e-sports, freelance paid game playing and game testing, broadcasting game play video on online platforms, game journalism and freelance asset creation. With the wide availability of affordable technology equipment and prevalence of free to access digital tools, nowadays it is possible for gaming enthusiasts to turn game-related activities into full-time independent jobs and generate significant amounts of incomes. Some examples of ways of earning money through independent gaming can be given as follows: (1) Streaming gameplay videos on broadcasting platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube. (2) Posting reviews, walkthroughs or how-to guides; online video game journalism; podcasts about popular games and gaming subjects. (3) Freelance playtesting and skill-based gameplaying. (4) Independent mobile game creation and publishing. (5) Competitive e-sports.
This course aims to give students fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience about the ways of earning money through video games independently. The course will include content-based lectures that cover information about relevant aspects and platforms along with best-practices and real-life examples. There will be discussions, hands-on activities, research and case studies, reading and video assignments followed by quizzes, a midterm exam, and a final project that emphasizes hands-on application of the learned content. In the course, the tools of the trade and various channels for monetizing independent gaming will be introduced. After completing this course, students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to be able to pursue independent money-earning activities in gaming.