Carnegie Mellon University Launches Fire Emblem Game Design Class Analyzing Nintendo's Legendary Strategy Series
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Published on: May 17, 2024
Description
Carnegie Mellon University, a leading institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is breaking new ground in game studies with the introduction of a unique, student-led course dedicated to analyzing the design of Nintendo's iconic Fire Emblem series.
Titled “Fire Emblem Design and Analysis,” this innovative class will debut during the Fall semester of 2024, offering students the opportunity to study the deep mechanics, narrative structures, and evolution of one of Nintendo's most celebrated tactical RPG franchises.
The Fire Emblem series, developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, has become a cornerstone of strategy gaming since its inception in 1990.
Renowned for its complex turn-based combat, character-driven stories, and mechanics such as permadeath and the weapon triangle, Fire Emblem continues to captivate players worldwide—most recently on the Nintendo Switch with titles like Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Engage.
According to the official course summary released by Carnegie Mellon University, the class aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Fire Emblem’s game design, mechanics, and storytelling techniques.
Key topics will include the evolution of game systems like durability and the weapon triangle, analysis of unit archetypes, exploration of series lore, and practical exercises such as chapter design and in-class projects.
Chapter themes range from "Fog of War" tactics to in-depth looks at character classes, skills, and the series’ unique approach to economics and resource management.
The curriculum also includes segments on narrative analysis, examining how Fire Emblem weaves multifaceted plotlines—sometimes touching on serious themes like moral choices in wartime—into its gameplay.
Students will be assessed through quizzes and project-based assignments that encourage both critical thinking and creative design skills.
It is important to note that “Fire Emblem Design and Analysis” is a student-initiated and taught course, offered alongside Carnegie Mellon University's official degree programs.
While not a core requirement, student-led courses at CMU can contribute credits toward graduation requirements, giving participants a unique avenue to enhance their academic portfolio through gaming studies.
The integration of video games into academic settings is an emerging trend.
In 2023, for example, the University of Maryland incorporated The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom into its curriculum to explore machine design, demonstrating the growing academic recognition of video games as complex, multidisciplinary works worthy of study.
Fire Emblem’s journey from a niche tactical RPG to a globally recognized brand on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and eShop is a testament to Nintendo’s impact on game design and storytelling.
The decision by Carnegie Mellon University to offer a dedicated class represents a significant acknowledgment of both the franchise’s influence and the legitimacy of game studies in higher education.
