Humanities professors Michael Call and Brian Croxall have embarked on an innovative journey at BYU, introducing a video gaming initiative that bridges the gap between technology and the humanities. Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., students converge in the Humanities Learning Commons for a brief lecture on the video game of the week, followed by the opportunity to engage with the game throughout the week. The initiative kicked off with beloved titles such as Stardew Valley and Minecraft, with plans to explore various games and their cultural significance throughout the semester.
Exploring the Intersection of Gaming and Humanities
In a recent discussion, Croxall expressed his perspective on the artistic merits of video games, stating, “What I have finally learned to embrace is how video games are just as complicated, just as immersive, and just as beautiful as poetry, paintings, the Parthenon, or people. Why play games? Why on earth wouldn’t we?” This sentiment underscores the initiative’s goal of fostering a deeper understanding of video games as a legitimate form of cultural expression.
In a Q&A session with University Communications writer Sharman Gill, Call elaborated on the academic foundations of the initiative. When asked about his transition from 17th-century French art and literature to video games, he noted a surprising connection. “One of the landmark human achievements to come out of the era was the development of quantitative probability,” he explained. This discovery, he argues, has had a profound impact on various aspects of life, including gaming. His research into the role of games in 17th-century French society sparked an interest in their relevance in contemporary culture.
Call and Croxall recognized a significant disparity between the cultural importance of video games and their academic study on campus. “Our students are eager to talk about and think about them, but it didn’t seem to us that there was a good forum for that,” Call remarked. The lecture series aims to fill this void, providing a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue where professors from diverse fields can share their insights on video games.
When discussing the relevance of video game studies within the College of Humanities, Call emphasized that the humanities encompass human expression and creativity. “Video games represent a new medium, one that is starting to contribute in interesting ways to this ongoing cultural conversation,” he stated. By examining video games through the lens of the humanities, students are encouraged to ask critical questions about meaning and societal impact, similar to those posed in literary or artistic analysis.
As for the selection of games featured in the series, Call mentioned that the choice has largely been left to the faculty members involved. “We were eager to see what games were of interest to them and to hear them talk about them,” he said, highlighting the fascinating connections between their expertise and the games chosen for discussion.
Call also pointed out the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits associated with gaming. Research has shown that gamers may perform better in certain cognitive tasks, and studies conducted at BYU have highlighted the positive emotional impact of gaming on family relationships. However, he cautioned that excessive gaming could lead to diminishing returns on these benefits, advising moderation.
Addressing concerns about gaming addiction and social isolation, Call recommended seeking professional help for those struggling with these issues. He emphasized the importance of mindfulness in gaming habits and encouraged students to explore alternative ways to fulfill their leisure needs.
Reflecting on the alignment of video game studies with BYU’s mission, Call noted the institution’s rich heritage that promotes thoughtful engagement with entertainment and the arts. He drew parallels between the acceptance of various forms of entertainment in the past and the current discourse surrounding video games, advocating for discernment in choosing what to engage with.
When asked about his personal favorite video game, Call shared a heartfelt story about Star Wars Battlefront 2, recalling how it provided solace and connection during a challenging time in his family’s life. This experience illustrates the profound impact that video games can have beyond mere entertainment, serving as a medium for bonding and emotional support.
