Videogames: Introduction

 

Lara Croft GO
Blackpink The Game

We need to study these products using all four key concepts: Language, Industry, Audience and Representation. Both Lara Croft GO and Blackpink The Game are good examples of the changing nature of the videogames industry and give us a chance to further explore representations in media products.

Introduction to Videogames: Blog Tasks

Watch the YouTube video outlining the history of the videogames industry from the 1970s to the 2010s. Now answer the following questions:

1) What were the first videogames like?

Initially, the first videogames were quite rudimentary and straightforward due to the lack of development that the computers they operated on had gone through. This meant they contained a simple premise and gameplay.

2) How have videogames changed over time?

Over time games have evolved into high graphic rpgs with a multitude of different genres that have been built on advanced engines such as Valve which allow you to implement a higher level of detail and realistic gameplay and lighting.

3) What do the most successful games have in common? Answer this in as much detail as you can. Think about audience pleasures - what do people like about playing videogames?

Most successful games such as monster hunter and Elden ring speak to players based upon the level of artistry in the game, the fighting mechanics paired with the story line, graphics and the ability to customise your character to your liking has made the games widely successful. This is because it provides audience pleasures such as diversion and personal relationships as there are multiplayer options which allow you to play with others.

4) What criticisms have been made towards videogames?

People have often criticised videogames such as call of duty for their excessive violence which parents believe will influence their children, though it isn't entirely true. However a larger concern is how it impacts sleep and deteriorates people's focus.

Next, read this Guardian feature from when Fortnite first became sensationally popular and watch the original trailer below.



Now answer the following questions:

1) At the time of the article, how many Fortnite players were there worldwide? (Bonus question - how many are there now? Try Googling it.)

At the time of the article there were 200 million players worldwide, now its 650 million.

2) Why is it so popular? What are the audience pleasures of the game?

The game became popular over its battle premise, the fact that its free and caters to the younger generations humour is what helped it garner more attention. The game is accesible on multiple platforms and using blumer & katz's theory, the game fulfills audience pleasures such as diversion and personal relationships due to its multiplayer engine.

3) Why might some people criticise Fortnite?

Some people may criticise Fortnite based upon the impact it has on their children's academics, its likely that pre-teens will get more distracted by the idea of playing and getting the instant gratifications the game provides through gear and brightly coloured images.

4) Copy and paste two comments from 'below the line' of the Guardian article - these are comments written by Guardian readers in response to the feature. Select one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and explain why.

Agree:

It's just a craze. Let your kids play, and stop hand wringing in the comments. Just think if your child will be able to reminisce in later years with their friends or be like me who wasn't allowed to watch ITV so missed out on Tiswas.

I agree with this comment as it truly isn't as serious as people make it out to be, as long as a child is properly regulated on their screen time, it isn't much of an issue. If anything, there's a risk of them missing out and falling behind their peers if they aren't allowed to participate which may lead to them feeling left out.

disagree:

It is addictive and kids can end up spending quite a lot on those Vbucks.

I disagree with this comment, while its true it can become addictive, moderating how much your child plays is just as easy. It's a matter of what intitiatives you take in order to control it.