#2 Why are video games suddenly a topic of interest at a University?

By Matt Clare and Peter Ambachtsheer

Video games have become a large part of our expression and independence as they have grown more important and popular in today's culture. Like film, or music, the genre's and sub cultures of video games continue to grow, and therefore the theorizing and studies that we see in music and film can be used when talking about the theories and practicalities of video games. The reason there is such buzz about video games suddenly in the University world probably has something to do with the fact that just about everything that plays some importance in our culture can be studied, and when something like video games comes along and can not be defined easily or "figured out", the studies begin.

I agree with Bryn in saying there is little validity in saying a course like IASC deals with JUST video gaming. Some people may turn a blind eye to the study of video game theory and development, yet they may not also realize that like any other University level course, the studies tackle all angles of the industry and art form (some may argue otherwise).

Therefore, video games are a growing part of today's day to day society, and has become a medium for story telling, expression, customization, and entertainment. If we can look at something like film, literature, or music as the same sort of medium, there should be no reason video games can't be studied the same.