Thanks for fully engaging with the question! I am not sure how many games would be included. I’m assuming that walkthroughs would be provided, since the emphasis would be on understanding the texts of the game and the features that make them unique. I think an instructor would try to cover however much would be feasible in a typical university semester.
The reason that Americans emphasize American games (and most of all Infocom) is because the sales of Infocom games set them apart. They were not just a gaming phenomenon but a pop culture phenomenon. For a period, they were likely the most successful game publisher in America, and one of the most successful software publishers generally.
Obviously, the games from outside America are important. It’s just that the influence of Infocom over here is impossible to ignore.
This is a great list! I know very few of them. Some UK listeners of my podcast have written in with suggestions for games written outside of the US. I plan to play a few of them after my Infocom project is over. I’ll consider your recommendations as well.
I completely agree about “dogs.” I think that the class would ultimately be about legacy rather than quality (though many games will demonstrate both, of course!).