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History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s

Discover the technological breakthroughs, gadgets and consoles that revolutionized the gaming industry.

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History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s
This course is archived

History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s

Discover the technological breakthroughs, gadgets and consoles that revolutionized the gaming industry.

History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s
5 weeks
4–8 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available
This course is archived
History of Games: 1990 to the late 2000s

About this course

Skip About this course

It’s now time to continue your captivating journey through the history of gaming.

In this second course, you will learn about the technological advancements of the early 1990s and the development of the fourth- and fifth-generation video game consoles—some of which survived even after their successor generation entered the market.

You will also explore the proliferation of corporate video game mascots during this era. Finally, your journey will end with the sixth- and seventh-generation gaming consoles. You will discover the consoles and games that made these generations great, and the improvements made to the user experience through high-definition technology, motion controls and digital storefronts.

Topics covered include:

  • Mascot wars
  • A new dimension
  • A changing of the guard
  • The dawn of high definition

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • How rapid advancements in technology influenced the next generation of consoles and changed the history of gaming
  • How design features and game consoles developed in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations
  • How the legal issues that plagued the video game industry during this period shaped the future of video games

Syllabus

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Module 1: Mascot wars

  • 1990-1993 in video games

  • The fourth generation and mascot wars

  • Peripheral wars and the dawn of the fifth generation

Module 2: A new dimension

  • Tech trends

  • The fifth-generation PC and arcade games

  • Legal issues

Module 3: A changing of the guard

  • Tech trends in the new millennium

  • The sixth generation

  • PC and arcade games

  • Lawsuits

Module 4: The dawn of high definition

  • Tech trends

  • The seventh generation

  • Other technologies

  • Legal issues

About the instructors

Ways to take this course

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Verified Track
Audit Track

Price

$149 USD

Free

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

World class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

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