Overview of scholarship in the emerging field of game studies examines gamers and their relationships with digital content as well as with other gamers in virtual and online spaces. Draws on current commercial practices in relation to underlying humanistic and social scientific theory and criticism to better understand player-game interactions, processes of identity formation, and participation in online communities. Historically situated analytic perspectives include effects, uses and gratifications, reader-response, and reception theories. Examines case studies of new computer interface design methodologies, usability testing, market research, and production issues related to contemporary game design and platforms. Students taking the graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 30 students.