Game Studies/ Exercises
Game Studies, Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Exercise 1 & 2
Table of Contents
- Module Information Booklet (MIB)
- Exercise 1: My Most Favourite Video Game
- Exercise 2: Non-Digital to Digital Game Evolution
- Reflection
Fig.1 Module Information Booklet (MIB)
Exercise 1: My Most Favourite Video Game - The Sims 4
The Sims 4, developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, is a life simulation game where you can create and control virtual people, called Sims. The game allows you to shape every part of their lives — from appearance and personality to career, relationships, and even their homes. There’s no set storyline, so players can build their own narrative and play at their own pace.
I’ve played and loved The Sims 4 for years because of its freedom, creativity, and how much you can personalize your gameplay.
I enjoy The Sims 4 because it gives me complete control over my virtual world. I can design dream houses, create interesting characters, and experiment with different life scenarios. Sometimes I build perfect families with big happy homes, other times I create chaotic households full of drama. It’s always fun and relaxing (sometimes can be boring but I still love playing it).
HOW TO PLAY?
The game is structured around several core modes:
1. Create a Sim (CAS)
This is where you start — creating your Sims by customizing everything from facial features and outfits to personality traits and aspirations.
2. Build Mode
You can build houses from scratch or use pre-built ones. Design room layouts, decorate interiors, and make each space match your Sims’ lifestyle.
3. Live Mode
Here’s where you play daily life: manage needs like Hunger and Hygiene, build relationships, choose careers, and watch your Sims grow.
4. Relationships & Careers
Sims can make friends, fall in love, get married, and raise children. They can also pursue careers, earn money, and achieve life goals.
5. Aging & Life Events
Sims go through life stages: baby to elder. Major life events like weddings, birthdays, and deaths make the gameplay feel meaningful and personal.
6. Expansions & Customization
There are many expansion packs (like Seasons, University, Pets) that add more content. You can also install mods and custom content to personalize your experience even more.
What Makes This Game Impactful?
The Sims 4 stands out because it reflects real life in both fun and emotional ways. It teaches me about planning, decision-making, and even empathy. I also love how it allows me to express my creativity through storytelling, design, and character development. Whether I want a chill building session or a dramatic life simulation, this game always has something for me.
Click HERE to view my Canva Slide:
Fig.2 My Most Favourite Video Game
Exercise 2: Non-Digital to Digital Game Evolution
In this exercise, I explored how classic non-digital games have transformed into digital experiences. I chose Monopoly as my case study because it’s one of the most iconic board games that has successfully evolved into a digital format.
The Original: Monopoly Board Game
Monopoly is a turn-based board game where players buy, sell, and trade properties. Its gameplay is driven by physical dice rolls and in-person interactions. Playing the original version often requires a group, a large space, and plenty of time — but it's a fun, strategic social activity.
Digital Evolution: Monopoly on Screens
Modern Monopoly games are now available on platforms like PC, mobile apps, and gaming consoles. The rules stay the same, but the experience changes:
- The game handles money, chance cards, and dice rolls automatically.
- Online multiplayer enables you to play with people anywhere.
- Graphics, music, and special effects add immersion.
In my presentation, I created a comparison table to highlight the differences. The digital version increases accessibility and speed but may lose some of the face-to-face fun and physical engagement of the original.
Click HERE to view my Canva Slide:
Fig.3 Non-Digital to Digital Game Evolution
Reflection
Exercise 1: My Favourite Video Game – The Sims 4
Through this exercise, I was able to reflect on my personal experience with The Sims 4, a game I’ve played for over 700+ hours. I realised how the game offers more than just entertainment. It allows for creative storytelling, life simulation, and even emotional expression. Preparing the slides made me appreciate the gameplay depth, customisation freedom, and how player agency shapes unique outcomes. It also helped me understand how games like The Sims 4 support non-linear play, something that’s rare in many game genres. I was also able to express why the game resonates with me personally, and how its flexibility and immersion make it timeless.
Exercise 2: Non-Digital to Digital Game Evolution
This exercise gave me a deeper understanding of how traditional games like Monopoly have evolved into digital formats. By comparing physical components with their UI/UX counterparts, I learned how design, interactivity, and accessibility are improved through digital transformation. It was interesting to analyse how player behaviour, game mechanics, and multiplayer experiences change across mediums. I also became more aware of how technology bridges generations, helping older games stay relevant in a modern context. Overall, this exercise strengthened my appreciation for game design evolution, especially how classic games are preserved and reimagined through digital media.
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