Gaming Japan: JapanLab is an extension of the JapanLab program that pairs a seminar on Japanese studies (with a focus on history, literature, film, religion, or culture) with a game development experience in which students work in teams to either design and build a fully functional game or advanced prototype that offers proof of concept. Each semester the instructor sets a broad theme – past examples include The Samurai in Myth and History and Censorship and Control in Modern Japan – and teams pursue projects within that frame. The first half of the course emphasizes close engagement with primary sources and current scholarship while introducing core ideas from game studies. The second half converts the classroom into a collaborative studio where students develop either a playable prototype, a slice of the game or a fully functional game through a sequence of scaffolded milestones, playtests, and revisions. The semester concludes with a public showcase in which teams present their games to peers and faculty. Students can see the theme of the upcoming course with additional details at the JapanLab website (https://www.utjapanlab.com/) or by reaching out to the instructor. Course entry is by instructor permission. Course can be repeated for credit.
What is the goal of the Gaming Japan: JapanLab course?
The goal of the course is for student-led teams to make educational video games for Japanese Studies classrooms. The course is a practicum, framed around providing real experience with a game development project.
How do I register for the JapanLab class?
There is a competitive application process. After you apply, we will interview you briefly. If you are successful, you will receive clearance to self-enroll in the designated class during the regular pre-enrollment period. More detailed instructions will be given to successful applicants after they accept a position in the class.
How will my grade be determined?
The key outcome for the semester will be the game project that you work on. There will be small assignments, team- and self-assessments throughout the term that are designed to help with the game design and development process. By the end of the semester the goal is to produce a minimum viable product game.
Can I in JapanLab through an internship program instead of the JapanLab Game Dev course?
Exceptions to registering for the JapanLab class can be made if there are extenuating circumstances. You should not rely on this as the course model is the standard template. Students seeking an exception should reach out ASAP to the coordinating faculty to inquire about its possibility.
Will the work in the class be team-based or individual?
Teamwork and specific roles for team members are an important part of the JapanLab experience. Applicants will be selected for specific roles based on their experience (e.g. researcher, programmer, artist) to ensure balance across the class, and the instructing faculty may create teams based on those roles before the start of the class. Every applicant should expect to be part of a larger team and be ready to collaborate with other students in similar roles on other teams.
What do I do if I'm a Bridging Disciplines student?
BDP students in the Digital Arts & Media program wanting to use their JapanLab Game Dev course as their required BDP creative project should submit a BDP Connecting Experience proposal by the BDP office’s deadline for the appropriate semester. Students should communicate with their BDP advisor with any questions and may view the BDP Advising Canvas site for more details. If you are in a BDP certificate other than Digital Arts & Media and you would like to propose this as an internship experience, please reach out to your BDP advisor to ensure that the experience is an appropriate fit with your BDP topic.
