NKTA1093 Pelitutkimuksen erityisalueita (1–10 op)

The course gives an overview of the quickly developing field of competitive gaming, covering various forms of games, and the main concepts used. The main actors and their roles will discussed, with special emphasis on audiences and audience practices, both in online streams and LAN events. The course also looks at the historical development of competitive gaming since the first Arcade Game tournaments. Other topics include sportification and the relation of esports to traditional sports and physical exercise, esport transmediality, and esports as business and profession. This course consists of lectures and videos, selection of research literature, and three assignments. Passing the course requires completion of all required assignments in line with stated learning outcomes.