interdisciplinary dialogue

Humanities professors Michael Call and Brian Croxall at BYU have launched a video gaming initiative that combines technology and the humanities. Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., students attend a lecture on a selected video game, followed by gameplay throughout the week. The initiative began with games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft and aims to explore various games and their cultural significance. Croxall emphasizes the artistic value of video games, comparing them to traditional forms of art. Call highlights the historical connection between 17th-century French society and gaming, noting the lack of academic discussion around video games on campus. The series provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among faculty. Call points out the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of gaming, while also cautioning against excessive gaming. He encourages mindfulness and moderation in gaming habits. Call also shares a personal connection to Star Wars Battlefront 2, illustrating the emotional impact of video games.