Everyone wishes that they could spend all day playing video games, but B.J. Zahand actually does it.

This year, Zahand, with brother Adam, is offering his gaming experience in a new class, “Laughing in the Face of Killer Goombas.” Zahand has taught several classes in the past, but this is the first time he has been able to teach a class based entirely on the subject he makes his profession. “I’ve really hit my niche,” Zahand said. As far back as he can remember, he said, this is the first video game class Satori has had.

The class is more than just sitting around playing video games. Students learn about the history of gaming - from Willy Higgenbotham, inventor of the first game, to the current, competitive market, as well as technical specifications of modern game consoles and the development of games.

Andrew Bodenstein, a student in the class, said, “I think it’s a really cool class. I never realized the history of video games was so interesting. Plus we get to play.”

Zahand is excited about his students’ response - the class is one of the most requested courses this year, he said. “The kids are really interested.”

He is also optimistic about the future. “The technology is going to keep getting better and better,” he said, and the class is a great way to keep kids up to date about what is happening in the world of video games.

Zahand is an XBox software test lead for Microsoft and was able to procure several XBoxes for “hands-on demonstrations,” and his experience with video games has been a bonus.

The course is held during the midday session in the second-floor lounge of Louise Anderson Hall, where several televisions have been brought in to play video games on.