Carnegie Mellon University Introduces New Course on Fire Emblem Game Design

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is breaking the traditional university curriculum with a new student-taught class centered around the beloved Fire Emblem series. The class, titled ‘Fire Emblem Design and Analysis‘, is set to launch in the upcoming Fall semester, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the intricate game design, mechanics, and storytelling elements present in the Fire Emblem games.

Students enrolled in this course will delve into various topics, including the evolution of game mechanics like durability and the weapon triangle, analysis of unit archetypes, and deep dives into the series lore. The class will feature intriguing chapter names such as ‘Chapter Design, Fog of War,’ ‘The Armoury: Classes, Skills, Weapons, Economics and Merlinus-Maxxing,’ and ‘Transition to Writing: Plotlines and War Crimes’ – promising an engaging and immersive learning experience.

It’s important to note that this course is student-led and does not form part of the university’s official degree programs. However, students can earn credits that count towards their final degrees, providing a unique opportunity to enhance their academic journey with a study of Fire Emblem. While majoring in Fire Emblem studies may not be an option, the knowledge gained from this course can certainly boost grades and offer a fresh perspective on game design.

Carnegie Mellon’s initiative to introduce a course focused on game design using a popular series like Fire Emblem is not an isolated case. Universities are increasingly incorporating elements of popular video games into their curriculum to engage students and explore new avenues of learning. Last year, the University of Maryland utilized The Legend of Zelda for educational purposes, showcasing the potential of gaming in academia.

In a world where gaming culture continues to thrive, integrating video games into educational settings offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between entertainment and academia. Who would have thought that playing video games could also be a part of homework assignments?

Would you enroll in a Fire Emblem university course? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

[source coursicle.com, via x.com]