Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

University of Iceland

Friendship machine: forming a new type of human connections

University of Iceland via edX

Overview

Did you know that there are now 2.6 billion gamers in the world? By 2021, that number is expected to rise by 125 million. In terms of revenue, the video game industry has become bigger than the movie and music industries put together. Video games are sweeping the globe, quickly becoming a primary shaper of culture.

In an age of seemingly increasing social isolation and loneliness, communities are being formed and friendships forged in video games. But can you design for friendship? Do virtual connections have a meaningful impact on humans? What is the cost of loneliness?

In this course, the University of Iceland - in collaboration with leading game developer CCP Games - will guide you through the most interesting insights to emerge from the world of video games. Themes include friendship, loneliness, and the societal implications of a new type of human connection rapidly being formed in the 21st century.

Taught by

Tryggvi Hjaltason and Ársæll Már Arnarsson

Reviews

Start your review of Friendship machine: forming a new type of human connections

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.