In addition to having an overview of the history of the videogame industry, Dr. Holliday touches on everything from videogame design, sound and A.I. all the way through the process of what it takes to bring a game concept through to a reality. Along the way, she teaches the students just who and what is involved in the making of a game, all the way to the moment it hits the store shelves.
In speaking with Dr. Holliday about the possibility of having her students give game reviewing a try, we agreed that it would give them a chance to see just what goes into a review. It's more than simply "I like this game because..." This gives the students an opportunity to really put their critical thinking skills to the test. "In game design it is not always necessary to reinvent the wheel. It is important to encourage students to approach existing games analytically and methodically, because from them a great deal may be learned about what makes a fine game," Dr. Holliday says. "The process of reviewing a game compels students to think in these terms."
