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ABOUT
Jul 30 - Aug 3, 2018 // Columbia College // Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the camp focused on girls, specifically?
In 1984, 37% of all computer science graduates were women. But, the gender gap in computing has actually been getting worse since then! Today, only 18% percent of all science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers are women (girlswhocode.com).
Consider this, in 2013, a CNN Report listed game designer as one of the hottest and fastest growing jobs for the next decade. According to the ESA, the worldwide games industry revenue is expected to reach $90 billion this year (girlsmakegames.com). Yet, while 46% of gamers are women, women actually make up less than 12% of the game industry (girlsmakegames.com). Columbia College, home of the co-ed eSports team, wants to help bridge this gap.
2. What type of games will students be playing?
Students will be playing cooperative games like League of Legends and Overwatch (Rated T). Students will also have an opportunity to interact with PS4 and Xbox Kinect during casual gaming sessions. Dance party, anyone? Students will also experience the game design process via software like Microsoft Kodu Game Lab and Twine.
3. What are cooperative games?
In cooperative games, players play with one another rather than simply against each other. Players work together as teammates to achieve a common goal, often against one or more opponents. Achieving a mission or objective simultaneously allows players to do things they couldn’t typically do on their own, either because various unique powers (i.e. offense vs. defense) or cooperative maneuvers (i.e. an assist in soccer or basketball) are required. Cooperative games also allow teammates to help each other by providing assistance such as health, cover, or boosts, etc.
4. Why play cooperative games?
Cooperative games engage players in sharing ideas and strategies to work and win together, reinforcing the social- and problem-solving skills needed to cooperate successfully in the real world. These games help promote the benefits of teamwork.
5. Who will students be playing against? Who teaches the sessions?
Students will play against other Girls Who Game camp members only. Coaching sessions will be taught by eSports Coaches and eSports team members. Game Design and Writing for Games sessions are taught by Columbia College faculty as well as members of the Columbia College Online Education team.