Lesson: Exploring the Continuity and Change in Video Games Over Time

Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify and describe key technological and cultural changes that have shaped the development of video games over time. Students will also be able to analyze and compare different video games from different eras, identifying key similarities and differences in terms of gameplay, graphics, and narrative. Lastly, students will be able to reflect on the social and cultural implications of video games, and evaluate how they have impacted society and culture over time.

“I can” statements

I can identify and describe key technological and cultural changes that have shaped the development of video games over time
I can analyze and compare different video games from different eras, identifying key similarities and differences in terms of gameplay, graphics, and narrative
I can reflect on the social and cultural implications of video games and evaluate how they have impacted society and culture over time.

Grade Level: 7-12

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.

DEIA Standards

Diversity

Students will learn about and appreciate the diversity of video games, including the different genres, themes, and cultures represented in the games. This can be aligned with DEIA standards that focus on promoting awareness and understanding of diversity, such as:

Students will recognize the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for different cultures, beliefs, and identities.

Equity

Students will explore the impact of video games on society and culture, including issues related to social justice and equity. This can be aligned with DEIA standards that focus on promoting equity and social justice, such as:

Students will identify and challenge unfair practices and systems of power and privilege.
Students will develop an understanding of the impact of discrimination and bias on individuals and groups.

Inclusion

Students will analyze and compare different video games from different eras, identifying key similarities and differences in terms of gameplay, graphics, and narrative. This can be aligned with DEIA standards that focus on promoting inclusion and creating welcoming and inclusive learning environments, such as:

Students will recognize and appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and experiences among their peers.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to create and maintain an inclusive learning environment that welcomes and respects all students.

Accessibility

Students will analyze and compare the accessibility of different video games, including issues related to disability and inclusion. This can be aligned with DEIA standards that focus on promoting accessibility and removing barriers to learning, such as:

Students will recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and challenges of individuals with disabilities.
Students will develop an understanding of how to create and adapt learning materials and environments to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Materials

A selection of video games from different eras, including classics like Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros, as well as more recent titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
A screen for displaying images and videos.
Whiteboard and markers.

Lesson Hook

Using the Video Game Timeline from The Strong Museum’s website, examine with your students the ways in which video games have changed overtime. Possible ways to spark conversation are to ask the following questions:

Ask students how many of them play video games regularly, and which games they enjoy. This can help establish a connection between students’ personal experiences and the broader cultural phenomenon of video games.
Then, ask students to think about how video games have changed over time and why they continue to be so popular today.
Optional: Another way to spark student interest is to bring in various gaming systems and games and allow students time to interact with the various systems!

Procedure

Day 1

Warm-up: Begin by asking students to brainstorm a list of video games that they have played or heard of. Write their answers on the board, and ask them to organize the games chronologically, from earliest to latest.

Mini-lecture: Provide a brief overview of the history of video games, highlighting key technological and cultural changes that have shaped their development over time. Include topics like the rise of arcade games in the 1980s, the emergence of home gaming consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System in the 1990s, and the rise of online gaming and mobile gaming in the 2000s and 2020s.

Activity: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different video game from a different era. Have them play the game for 15-20 minutes, taking notes on the gameplay, graphics, and narrative. Then, have them present their findings to the class, focusing on the similarities and differences between their game and others from different eras.

Day 2

Warm-up: Ask students to reflect on the video games they played the previous day, and to identify any common themes or trends that they noticed across different eras.

Mini-lecture: Provide a brief overview of the social and cultural implications of video games, highlighting both positive and negative impacts that they have had on society and culture. Include topics like the rise of video game addiction, the impact of violent videogames on youth, and the potential benefits of video games for cognitive development.

Activity: Have students work in pairs to analyze and compare two different video games from different eras. Ask them to create a Venn diagram or another visual representation to highlight the similarities and differences between the two games. Then, have them present their findings to the class, focusing on the continuity and change in video games over time.

Conclusion

Allow students to reflect on the cultural changes that have shaped the development of video games over time and reflect on the social and cultural implications of video games.