Essay (1st draft)

A hidden truth? The positive impact of gaming on behaviour

This critical investigation will focus on the positive impacts of video games and whether or not they enforce vital life skills in a view to alter the stereotype towards them. Its purpose will be to investigate whether the effects of games like ‘Little Big Planet’ and ‘Tetris’ are being overshadowed by the negative representation and impacts of video games portrayed by the media in both present and past times. Traditionally parents tend to stereotype video games without knowing the true benefits of them as a result, this investigation will hope to unravel the hidden truth of gaming so that audiences can reap the numerous benefits of them as they are known to ‘change your brain’[1].

[1]Tumbokon, Chacha. "The Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games." Smart Kids Parenting | Raise Smart Kid.N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2012. <http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games>.

The typical reaction to video games would be of a negative one due to recent and past allegations of inspiring real life massacres and acts of violence[2]. These allegations have created a moral panic among audiences and their concern may be justified as there is evidence to support ‘a consistent correlation between playing violent video games and aggressive behaviours’ in reality [3]. One of the most recent examples of this would be the Connecticut school massacre in which it is said that gunman Adam Lanza spent hours playing violent video games such as Call of Duty [4].  This has led to criticism of violent video games, as the National Rifle Association blamed the entertainment industry ‘specifically the producers of violent video games for inciting what has become a pattern of gun violence in the United States’ [5]. These types of tragic events have occurred over the years, other examples of video games inspiring real life acts of violence would include a Thai student who murdered a taxi driver while trying to recreate a scene from the Grand Theft Auto [6] as well as, Tristan van der Vlis who killed 6 people in the tragedy known as the Alphen aan den Rijn shopping mall shooting  was inspired by a game called Airport Massacre, in which the player can choose (or not choose) to participate in the killing of a large group of innocent people inside an airport terminal [7]. In modern video games it is violence that is rewarded, in games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield the sole objective is to kill, the more you kill the better. Exposure to such violence may activate the network of associated angry thoughts and emotions and potentially result in increased likelihood of aggressive behaviour in real-life situations [8] this is due to desensitisation as audiences have become numb to violence and may accept it as a way of culture.

There is also the stereotypical argument which is most commonly used by parents that playing video games makes you perform worse in education and there could be some truth behind that saying as excessive gaming creates attention deficits, which in turn can lead to poorer school performance [9]. It is also believed that video game addicts argue a lot with their teachers, fight a lot with their friends, and score lower grades than others who play video games less often, which is supported by a study conducted by the Minneapolis-based National Institute for Media and the Family [10]. Not just violent video games but any ordinary video games have been recognised to have a negative impact on users.  One of the negatives from any video game would be, those who spend more time playing video games subsequently have more attention problems [11] as well as games can confuse reality and fantasy [12].

[2]Baras, Ronita. "Video Games Violence (2): Video-game-inspired real violence | Family Matters."Family Matters | Practical Parenting Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Aug. 2011. <http://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/video-games-violence-2-video-game-inspired-real-violence/#.UObnYazLJi5>.

[3]"Impacts of Video Games." HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT | PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY . N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:exg_W7AYwFQJ:www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/post-pn-405.pdf+&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjnvVgZofQcfE-tp9vcxHpmx6JEx34-r_-e02BW9AwaQSY2FAZlN6XZSd0sQnz0SWVcG17cZbff98A0xPOSHmqKr94Kbjfs0TVP-VTgPveTApWiEzlKr9DeKdBWocHQdaUx7AqV&sig=AHIEtbSMNX0qqwIx5pDNWrOckwgCtVjDHA>.

[4] Henderson, Barney . "Connecticut school massacre: Adam Lanza 'spent hours playing Call Of Duty’ - Telegraph."Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2012. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9752141/Connecticut-school-massacre-Adam-Lanza-spent-hours-playing-Call-Of-Duty.html>.

[5] Guarino, Mark . "Video games and shooting: Is the NRA right? - CSMonitor.com." The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2012. <http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2012/1223/Video-games-and-shooting-Is-the-NRA-right>.

[6]"Grand Theft Auto pulled from sale after Bangkok teen murders taxi driver 'to see if it was as easy as in the game' | Mail Online." Home | Mail Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Aug. 2008. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1041407/Grand-Theft-Auto-pulled-sale-Bangkok-teen-murders-taxi-driver-easy-game.html>.

[7]  Ronit. "Video Games Violence (2): Video-game-inspired real violence | Family Matters." Family Matters | Practical Parenting Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/video-games-violence-2-video-game-inspired-real-violence/#.UQhIoPLLJi5>.

[8]Vorderer, Peter, and Jennings Bryant.Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2006. Print.

[9]Anderson , Craig A , and Wayne A Warburton. "The impact of violent video games: An overview." Chapter in W. Warburton & D. Braunstein (Eds.) Growing Up Fast and Furious: Reviewing the Impacts of Violent and Sexualised Media on Children, (pp. 56-84). Annandale, NSW, Australia: The Federation Press.. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 June 2012. <https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:8Vi2XWkpyJwJ:www.psychology.iastate.edu/faculty/caa/abstracts/2010-2014/12AW.pdf+&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESik2bZ5x7aJVtaWRHYcj7sgRSKq4OlHduSNBFNqOutiW4nTfQVG0klFYO2JMqp5vb6t3XIirRAsiCLYx9EjkiA9jI7oX4-xi6K731pkAZcKLn2orv2emKVuauk6leh7hhXtkvzd&sig=AHIEtbTukeQJAKhS-MeP7BZ8sP53rdjtkw>.

[10] Tumbokon, Chacha. "The Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games." Smart Kids Parenting | Raise Smart Kid. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2012. <http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games>.

[11] Attention Problems, and Impulsiveness: Evidence of Bidirectional Causality." AQA. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, Vol 1(1), n.d. Jan. 2012. <www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/ppm-1-1-62.pdf>.

[12] Barbie. "Effects of Computer Games on Children » Echomon.co.uk."Echomon.co.uk » Ultimate source for all things sexy and cool. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 July 2012. <http://echomon.co.uk/effects-of-computer-games-on-children/>.

Games can be good, not just for an individual but on a wider scale to. Gaming is beneficial for the family as supported by Patricia Vance, president of The Entertainment Software Rating Board [13]. It is also beneficial for society as violent people are attracted to violent games [14] and the time they spend on gaming cannot be spent on other activities, both legitimate or violent which could result in a decrease in crime [15]. Research by the University of Texas found that for every 10% increase in the number of violent games sold, the crime rate dropped by 1% [16].

There are many skills that are required whilst playing a video game, these include logic, memory, visualisation and problem solving [17], these are just some of the many required. Videogames have the potential to enhance team work skills as users can interact and work together with one another online as a result many people have gained key skills an example of this would be Washburn student Adam Bideau who said “It taught me to work in a group” [18].It is also a known a fact that playing video games ‘increases reaction times, improves hand-eye co-ordination and raises players self-esteem’ [19].  Gaming improves basic math and reading skills as children learn to interact with the score counters on videogames as well as reading instructions involved in video games e.g. play, quit, etc [20]. According to a study, ‘people who played action-based video games made decisions 25 %faster than others without sacrificing accuracy’[21]. Researchers of University of Rochester learned that game players are capable of paying ‘attention to more than six things at once without getting confused’ in comparison to non-gamers who were capable of only four[22].This is reinforced by C. Shawn Green saying "Games teach your brain to focus on the important things and filter out distractions" [23]. One of the most typical stereotypes of video games would be that they have a negative impact on the user’s eyesight however, in February 2012 a study revealed by psychologist Daphne Maurer, director of the Visual Development Lab at McMaster University in Ontario, showed that playing video games could improve the eyesight of those who are born with cataracts [24].James Gee, a professor of learning sciences at the University of Wisconsin, stated “We had a hard time finding kids who were bad at school but good at games,”[25] this goes against the stereotype of video games having a negative impact on the education of children. Both directly and indirectly video games can enhance the social relationship of youngsters [26], the ability of using the online feature to play with your friends is the direct way video games have done this and the indirect way would be that the following day or sometime soon after users discuss events that occurred whilst they was playing video games. Playing video games is seen to improve visual-spatial ability which is the ability to mentally manipulate two- and three dimensional objects [27].Hence it is clear that there is a causal relationship between video game playing and enhanced visual attention skills [28].Video games have taken aboard Blumler and Katz theory of uses and gratifications by providing escapism for the user, this is supported by Professor Talmadge Wright of Loyola University who had this to say "It gives people an option of actively participating in some kind of fantasy role they could not do in real life that allows them to play with their own feelings"[29].

It is a common misconception that violent video games have no benefits for the user, this is incorrect as violent video games do possess benefits for the audience. ‘Some gamers say playing violent games can relieve stress and frustrations’ [30]. An unexpected effect of playing violent video games is that they can give people a better tolerance for pain which is backed by the research conducted at Keele University [31].

 [13]Steinberg, Scott . "Why Video Games Are Good For You." The Modern Parent's GUIDE. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. < http://www.parentsguidebooks.com/Why%20Video%20Games%20are%20Good%20for%20Kids%20and%20Parents.pdf>.

[14] Cunningham, A. Scott, and Benjamin Engelstätter. Understanding the effects of violent video games on violent crime. Mannheim: ZEW, 2011. Print.

[15] "Violent video games 'reduce crime' - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8798927/Violent-video-games-reduce-crime.html>.

[16] DuBois, Maurice. "New Study Suggests The More Young People Play Video Games The Less Likely They Are To Commit Crimes « CBS New York." CBS New York. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/05/24/study-video-games-actually-lower-crime/>.

[17] Amory, Alan , Kevin Naicker , Jacky Vincent , and Claudia Adams. "The use of computer games as an educational tool: identification of appropriate game types and game elements." British Journal of Educational Technology. N.p., n.d. Oct. 1999. <http://www.cblt.soton.ac.uk/multimedia/PDFsMM09/Use%20of%20computer%20games%20as%20an%20educational%20tool%20identification%20of%20appropriate%20game%20types%20and%20game%20elements.pdf>.

[18]Steinberg, Scott . "Why Video Games Are Good For You." The Modern Parent's GUIDE. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. < http://www.parentsguidebooks.com/Why%20Video%20Games%20are%20Good%20for%20Kids%20and%20Parents.pdf>.

[19] Pearson, Elaine, and Chris Bailey. "Evaluating the potential of the Nintendo Wii to support disabled students in education." Providing choices for learners and learning. Proceedings ascilite Singapore 2007. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Jan. 2007. <www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/procs/pearson-poster.pdf>

[20] Griffiths, Mark. "The educational benefits of videogames. | SHEU." SHEU | the Schools and Students Health Education Unit. Schools Health Education Unit, 2002. <http://sheu.org.uk/x/eh203mg.pdf>.

[21] Rasmussen, Rune H.. "The benefits of video games." kidsandmedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2012. <http://kidsandmedia.org/the-benefits-of-video-games/>.

[22] Rasmussen, Rune H.. "The benefits of video games." kidsandmedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2012. <http://kidsandmedia.org/the-benefits-of-video-games/>.

[23] "Unlocked: Real-Life Benefits Of Video Games |Men's Health Singapore." Your Most Useful Online Men's Magazine |Men's Health Singapore. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2012. <http://www.menshealth.com.sg/health/unlocked-real-life-benefits-video-games>.

[24] Reilly, Luke. "5 Reasons Video Games Are Actually Good for You - IGN." Video Games, Wikis, Cheats, Walkthroughs, Reviews, News & Videos - IGN. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2012. <http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/09/10/5-reasons-video-games-are-actually-good-for-you>.

[25] Johnson, Steven. "Your Brain on Video Games." Discover Magazine: The latest in science and technology news, blogs and articles. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2005. <http://discovermagazine.com/2005/jul/brain-on-video-games#.ULpgQGeLU68>.

[26] Gunter, Barrie. The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked. Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998. Print.

[27] Griffiths, Mark. "The educational benefits of videogames. | SHEU." SHEU | the Schools and Students Health Education Unit. Schools Health Education Unit, 2002. <http://sheu.org.uk/x/eh203mg.pdf>.

[28] Murphy, Karen, and Amy Spencer. "Playing video games does not make for better visual attention skills." Journal of Articles in Support of the Null Hypothesis: 2009, Vol.6 Issue 1, p1. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2009. <www.jasnh.com/pdf/Vol6-No1.pdf>.

[29] Ward, Mark. "BBC NEWS | Technology | Gaming 'is good for you'." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2003. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2744449.stm>.

[30]"Impacts of Video Games." HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT | PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY . N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:exg_W7AYwFQJ:www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/post-pn-405.pdf+&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjnvVgZofQcfE-tp9vcxHpmx6JEx34-r_-e02BW9AwaQSY2FAZlN6XZSd0sQnz0SWVcG17cZbff98A0xPOSHmqKr94Kbjfs0TVP-VTgPveTApWiEzlKr9DeKdBWocHQdaUx7AqV&sig=AHIEtbSMNX0qqwIx5pDNWrOckwgCtVjDHA>.

[31] "2012 - Keele University." Keele University. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. <http://www.keele.ac.uk/pressreleases/2012/violentvideogamescaneasepain.php>.

Some would argue that video games have provided benefits for users for a long time now, through games such as Tetris which was created back in 1984. Playing Tetris requires the audience to use various skills, this is supported by Dr Richard Haier who said “(Tetris) requires many cognitive processes like attention, hand-eye co-ordination, memory and visual spatial problem solving all working together quickly” [32]. It is said the more you play Tetris, the more efficient your brain becomes as well as improving your hand eye co-ordination [33],and this simple game of rotating blocks to fit into a grid may even make you smarter [34]. There are also further benefits for consumers revealed in a study conducted by the Mind Research Network which shows that playing Tetris can improve critical thinking, planning skills, reasoning, and even language [35]. Some would say these skills are provided from various other games, however Tetris is unique as it goes beyond the benefits of an ordinary game.  Oxford Oxford University scientists found that playing Tetris shortly after a traumatic event may help prevent bad memories and reduce distressing flashbacks which was unique as when another computer game was tested, it made people’s flashbacks worse [36].  There is evidence to support that the simple game of Tetris which many users play for fun and entertainment may actually help people mentally and reduce stress, this is supported by Dr Emily Holmes of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University who said “This is only a first step in showing that this might be a viable approach to preventing post-traumatic stress disorder” [37].

[32]"Study: Tetris Is Good for Your Brain | Fox News." Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2008. <http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2009/10/06/study-tetris-good-brain/>.

[33]"Play Tetris to Achieve Your Dreams | Exile Lifestyle." Entrepreneurship and World Travel with Colin Wright | Exile Lifestyle. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 June 2009. <http://exilelifestyle.com/play-tetris-achieve-dreams/>.

[34]Vanderkam, Laura. "News Blog: How Tetris makes you smarter." Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2008. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=how-tetris-makes-you-smarter>.

[35]Toor, Amar. "Scientists: 'Tetris' Makes You Smarter." Tech and Internet Industry News - HuffPost Tech. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Oct. 2009. <http://www.switched.com/2009/10/08/scientists-tetris-makes-you-smarter/>.

[36]Song, Sora. "Study: Playing Tetris to Prevent PTSD Flashbacks | TIME.com."Health & Family | A healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit | TIME.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. <http://healthland.time.com/2010/11/10/study-playing-tetris-to-prevent-ptsd-flashbacks/>.

[37]Alleyne, Richard, and Science Correspondent. " Playing the video game 'Tetris' could reduce trauma, claim Oxford University - Telegraph."Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2009. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/4142908/Playing-the-vide­­­­­o-game-Tetris-could-reduce-trauma-claim-Oxford-University.html>.

The gaming industry has changed significantly over the years, benefiting from the improvement in technology. The development of new consoles such as the Ps3, by Sony, has provided a platform for video game creators to take gaming to a whole new level. Modern day games such as Little Big Planet, created by Media Molecule, has given the power to consumers like never before which is supported by David Buckingham, Professor of Media and Communications at Loughborough University who had this to say, ‘In the age of Media 2.0, ordinary people are no longer mere consumers of media, but also producers’[38]. A game like Little Big Planet lets the user become a producer in various ways, from designing your own sack boy to creating your own levels, these features are specific to Little Big Planet however, every modern game lets consumers become producers through YouTube. YouTube is a video sharing website which is commonly used by gamers to upload user generated content of them playing a specific game in the form of a video. One would think giving the chance for consumers to become producers would increase the popularity and sales of games however the gaming industry has suffered a decline recently, ‘in 2011 retail sales of video games fell by 8% which was followed by a further 20% in 2012’ [39] . Although in recent times there has been a large decline in sales of video which may have been due to the struggling economy [40] it is predicted that in the coming years the gaming industry will grow to a staggering $82 billion by 2017 [41] which could provide a huge boost to our current economical state but how beneficial will this growth be for a consumer?

[38]Buckingham, David . "In the Age of Media Six Questions about Media and Participation." EMC English & Media Centre. MediaMagazine , n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. < http://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/mm/subscribers/downloads/archive_mm/mmagpast/MM39_Participation_6ques.html>.

[39] Suellentrop, Chris, and Stephen Totilo. "Video Game Retail Sales Decline Despite New Hits - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia.N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/arts/video-games/video-game-retail-sales-decline-despite-new-hits.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.

[40] Suellentrop, Chris, and Stephen Totilo. "Video Game Retail Sales Decline Despite New Hits - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia.N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/arts/video-games/video-game-retail-sales-decline-despite-new-hits.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.

[41] Gaudiosi, John. "New Reports Forecast Global Video Game Industry Will Reach $82 Billion By 2017 - Forbes." Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com.N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2012. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngaudiosi/2012/07/18/new-reports-forecasts-global-video-game-industry-will-reach-82-billion-by-2017/>

In conclusion, I believe video games have their pros and cons but it depends on various factors to what they provide to users.  Excessive gaming can impact the user in a lot more negative ways and limiting your gaming hours to a bare minimum would mean the user misses out on a chance to develop key life skills which video games can provide. The key is to find the right balance, in doing so the user can be affected by the positives and not have to endure the negatives that gaming could bring. Another key factor is the type of game the user plays, as violent games may bring damaging effects on the user whereas, a game like Tetris would test the brain and could potentially make you smarter. I believe the ‘responsibility ultimately falls on the parents to be aware and control the content and material their kids are taking’ in which is supported by Cameron Koch who has previously written video game reviews for the Herald [42].  The Byron Review supports this, this is a UK government commissioned review, led by Psychologist Dr Tanya Byron, of the risks to children from the internet and video games [43]. Along with the review there were also recommendations released and one of these was improving the information and advice for parents and gamers about parental controls and age classification systems [44]. Fulfilling this need to educate parents about their responsibility to monitor game play will allow users to maximise the benefits that are provided by video games and minimise the negatives that they bring which could result in a much smarter and non-violent society. As Douglas Gentile, psychologist at Iowa State University says “Games are not good or bad, but are powerful educational tools” [45].

                                                                                                                           

[42]Koch, Cameron. "Cameron Koch: Video games not to blame for real violence - College Heights Herald: Opinion." College Heights Herald: Western Kentucky University. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2012. <http://wkuherald.com/opinion/article_acb6bc64-4bb5-11e2-84e5-0019bb30f31a.html>.

[43]Byron, Tanya . "BBC NEWS | Technology | At a glance: The Byron Review." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2008. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7316700.stm>.

[44]"Impacts of Video Games." HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT | PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY . N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:exg_W7AYwFQJ:www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/post-pn-405.pdf+&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjnvVgZofQcfE-tp9vcxHpmx6JEx34-r_-e02BW9AwaQSY2FAZlN6XZSd0sQnz0SWVcG17cZbff98A0xPOSHmqKr94Kbjfs0TVP-VTgPveTApWiEzlKr9DeKdBWocHQdaUx7AqV&sig=AHIEtbSMNX0qqwIx5pDNWrOckwgCtVjDHA>.

[45]Ostrovsky, Gene. "Studies Show Benefits of Video Game Playing." medGadget. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2008. <http://www.medgadget.com/2008/08/studies_show_benefits_of_video_game_playing.html>.

GAMING

 

Year 13 Critical Investigation proposal form

Working title
The hidden truth about gaming.

Angle
The positive impact of gaming on one’s brain and behaviour.

Linked production piece
Documentary-

Research plan (media texts and academic texts)

Media Texts

TV documentaries

Academic texts

(Study at the University of Rochester and Nottingham Trent)

Jane Mcgonigal:Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World(2011)
 

Jennifer Comet Wagner: The Gamer Generation: Reaping the Benefits of Video Games (2012)

Barrie Gunter: The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked (1998)

Peter Vorderer, and Bryant Jennings: Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences (2006)

Summer Research

There are many various techniques used Electronic Arts better known as EA, a company who develop sports video games. From the very start of the advert there is a use of the sonic logo, the Play station logo which makes the viewer associate with the iconic sound of Play station, this is a very effective technique used by EA to grab and hold the viewers attention as straight away anyone who has a Sony Play station product would be interested in this advert as they can relate to it.

At the very end of this media text, again there is the use of this same technique however, in this case it is the use of the Electronic Arts logo which again is a very popular logo recognised by millions of people. This logo associates with one the most iconic slogans in the gaming history and if asked by any owner of an EA product they would instantly relate ‘It’s in the game’ to EA. This is very effective as EA is the most popular developers of sports video games and everyone recognises that they deliver quality to match the owner’s expectations.

There is also the use of music which is very effective, as well as showing the Play station logo they also play the sound associated with it Sony Play station, in doing this they could be gaining the attention of audiences with a viewing disability or simply those who do not have their eyes on the TV or the screen of any other electronic device they may be viewing it on.  The selective music used is one of the most popular and famous Christmas carols jingle bells, this gives a very Christmassy feeling to this advert and makes it feel as if it is almost part of tradition to buy FIFA for Christmas, it could be considered that EA are using religion to promote their product.

The famous footballers in the advert have not been chosen at random, they are no average footballers, they are all world class footballers who would be idols and icons for youngsters. This is very effective because the fact that youngsters look up to these players EA showing that these players want the game FIFA instead of socks, a puppy or any other typical Christmas present it would encourage the youngsters that look up to these footballers to do the same. The make FIFA seem more than just your ordinary Christmas present and the fact that these footballers are different nationality it can appeal to a wider audience on a more international region. 

Media Representations 

There are many things being represented through all these trailers, from fans to footballers to FIFA itself. They are all being represented in a positive way and this leads to a positive representation of FIFA 12. There are various footballers but these footballers were not picked at random, they were specifically chosen as they would be recognised by most, if not all, people who have an interest in football. Another aspect being represented is ‘Football life’ it shows no matter who you are from the average to big celebs or even footballers that FIFA should be a part of your life no matter where or who you are. The footballers are also shown to have exceptional skill and technique which is a positive representation of the footballers. FIFA is also represented in a positive manner as they show different aspects of the game making it more realistic and fun.

The representation of FIFA 13 is fair and accurate, having played the game myself I have had 1^st hand experience of the new features. However, some may argue that these new features have made the game more realistic has had a negative effect on the fun aspect of the game. Also the players represented in the game are fairly accurate however; some players may have exaggerated attributes to what they are capable of in real life. There is also the matter of the football brain, how some players lack the ‘football brain’ to take a certain action but in the game you control them and vice versa as some players may be able to take the best action and you might not be able to. This is something that the game intends to do as the best players of FIFA will be able to take the best action, making them better than their opponent.

Media Languages and Forms 

The costume of the players in FIFA 12 is their official ‘Home’, ‘Award’ and ‘third’ kit. The lighting in the game itself either comes from the sun or the stadium flood lights. FIFA 12 features 29 licensed leagues from 22 countries this includes most, if not all players at a team. There are 56 stadiums in FIFA 12, including most of the larger stadiums from Europe's most prominent leagues. Martin Tyler and Alan Smith are the English commentators for FIFA 12, Alan Smith replacing long-term FIFA contributor Andy Gray following the controversy surrounding him earlier in 2011. The official soundtrack for FIFA 12 was announced on 12 September 2011. The game features 39 established and breakthrough artists from 15 countries and covers a variety of music genres. I believe Rooney has become one of the most associated characters when it comes to FIFA; he has been on the cover of FIFA from 2005-12 but will not feature on the cover of FIFA13. Having Rooney is related to FIFA as he is British and he is one of the best players in the game. Rooney will not feature on FIFA13 as EA released this statement, “After seven successful seasons working with Wayne, we have mutually agreed not to renew our partnership”. The FIFA 13 will now feature ‘Lionel Messi’, arguably the best player in the world, and two young English stars, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Hart. The graphics in FIFA12 are at a very high level and each player has been created with great detail, almost life like. The default camera view is specifically chosen as it is the same view used during real football matches. The sound from the crowd creates a life like atmosphere within the stadiums and the sound made from when the ball is kicked takes the realism to another level.

Media Institutions  

                                                 

FIFA 12 was developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts worldwide under the EA Sports label.  FIFA 12 is the nineteenth game in EAs' FIFA series of football video games; this means they have many years of experience about the sports gaming industry. EA would know all the pros and cons of their previous title hence, improve on the upcoming FIFA.  Being in the sports gaming industry has given them an advantage over their competitors of Konami with ‘Pro Evolution Soccer’. Having produced 8 more football video games than their rivals has made EA sports superior to their rivals Konami in: game play; licensing and most importantly, sales. FIFA 12 features 29 licensed leagues from 22 countries whereas, Pro Evolution Soccer 12 has 3 fully licensed leagues and only 2 licensed teams from the Premier League. The dominance of FIFA over PES was shown by EA saying it was outselling PES 2012 within the UK by a ratio of 25:1 (November 2011). On the worldwide scale PES 2012 has sold around 3 million copies to FIFA 12s 10 million (February 2012). This may be due to the reputation of EA influencing the sales or it may just be that FIFA12 is better than PES 12, depends on how you see it. FIFA12 was released on consoles for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 2; on handhelds for PlayStation Portable, 3DS, Xperia Play and iOS; and on computers for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. In the United Kingdom, an "Ultimate Edition" of the game was available at Game and Gamestation stores. It included four monthly Ultimate Team gold packs, with each pack containing 12 items, including players, contracts, stadiums, managers, staff, fitness, healing, footballs, kits and badges. Each pack contains one rare item, such as enhanced player attributes, longer contracts and the most coveted players.

The release date of the FIFA 12 demo was announced at the Gamescom event in Germany on August 16, 2011; the demo was available for Xbox users on 13 September 2011, the PlayStation 3 demo was not available in Europe until the next day. FIFA 12 was officially released on 30^th September but was available three days early to purchasers of the EA Sports Season Ticket.

“FIFA 12, has supplanted Gears of War 3 as the highest-selling game of 2011 in its first week of release. Selling over 3.2 million units between September 27 and October 2, the game also set a record for the highest first-week sales of any sports game ever made.”

http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/fifa-12-breaks-record-for-first-week-sales-knocks-out-gears-of-war-3/#ixzz24yOlZz8u

“Other stats from the publisher include FIFA 12 for iPhone and iPad selling 879,000 units, and October 1 being the busiest day for online gaming in EA Sports history. 10 million EA Sports game sessions were played, with eight million of those being FIFA 12.”

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/fifa-12-scores-3-2-million-sales-within-first-week/

Media Audiences 

The main target audience of FIFA 12 is males presumably between the ages 12-25, in other words early teens till about late 20’s. The game also targets female viewers as it might get them to buy FIFA12 for their brothers, boyfriends etc. as a present, maybe a ‘Christmas’ present? It is mostly a target for someone who is employed as it is a luxury not a necessity. FIFA12 would attract great attention from those who have an interest in football or “soccer” as it is the only licensed football game in the world. In my opinion FIFA is one of, if not the, best game to have around when playing with friends together at a place so it is definitely something to purchase for those who socialise a lot or have siblings to play FIFA12 with. The main characteristic of the audience that we can understand is their interest in football, this is pretty obvious as I don’t see someone buying this game if they have no interest in football what so ever. Another likely assumption we can make is that the person who will play the game/ purchase the game is most likely to support a football team no matter which part of the world they are from or in. FIFA12 touches on a few areas of the Blumer and Katz theory of uses and gratifications. It provides escapism as it lets users escape from everyday problems and routine. Also as seen during in one of the adverts above, Kaka is seen talking about how he played FIFA while he was injured so not only does it provide escapism it also touches the aspect of ‘personal identity’ as some teenagers who have aspirations to become a footballer can create themselves in the game thanks to the ‘virtual pro’ feature. FIFA also provides entertainment for both the users and audience. Being an owner of FIFA12 I personally enjoy this game very much as I have an interest in football. I play the game for entertainment purposes or with mates for a bit of fun. 

Genre                    

                                                                                                                     

The genre the text, FIFA12, belongs to is sports.  FIFA is the only licensed football game making it one of a kind; it pretty much sets the guideline/standards for the other football games. Being able to celebrate is one the latest conventions and EA sports were the first ones to introduce this and now another feature introduced in FIFA12 is being able to change the anthem the fans are singing. This new feature has just been introduced and it may be introduced in other games to. The major theme to FIFA12 is pretty obvious, football however when you choose your team the background for all the menus becomes the colour associated with your team. The characters in the game are all created to a life like effect as seen in FIFA11 some players looked nothing like what they did in real life but this has been fixed for FIFA12. I believe the main characters associated with FIFA12 are likely to be among the very best in the world but personally I do believe Messi and Rooney would be most likely as they have been on previous FIFA covers.

Media Values and Ideology 

One of the major values promoted from FIFA would be the ‘Fair Play’ this is shown in an indirect way, Pro Evolution introduced the feature of ‘diving’ however, FIFA did not go down this road as they believed it was against the ‘fair play’ aspects of football.  There is also a football league for women however, there is no female in FIFA12 or in any other FIFA as a matter of fact. This shows even a male dominant society. I believe EA sports have not done this intentionally but have more focused on what is more beneficial for them to make maximum profits. One of the assumptions that could be made from the text is the love for football. It’s almost trying to say no matter where, who or what age you are, if you love football you will love FIFA. One of the adverts where it talks about ‘A GAME’ not only uses repetition but uses a middle aged man showing FIFA can be played by anyone and it’s also showing a lifestyle or a way of living, that football fans must buy a football game, in this case FIFA. The game could also aspire youngsters to become footballers or having a role in the football industry as a manager, coach, etc.

Narrative 

                                

The audience is positioned at many different angles from close ups to how real football matches are shown on TV. The close ups are used to show the detail and effort EA sports has put into this game as well as showing how life like they have made this game so that the audience feel as if they are watching a real game. The characters are shown to be skilful and this is pretty obvious as being footballers they must be shown skilful in the position they play. The defenders are shown to be big and strong, strikers are shown to be accurate and clinical, midfielders are shown to be precise and quick and goalkeepers are shown to be tall and athletic. These 4 positions key to the game of football and in both real life and FIFA the characters are shown to their ability. Heroes and villains are created in a different manner in the game of football, you can be a villain if you consistently have bad games, miss a crucial opportunity, commit a dangerous tackle, have an attitude or even worse commit physical offenses during the game. A perfect example in the game of football would be Joey Barton, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ASkfY-1gjM this video perfectly sums up Joey Barton. His most recent antics were in the final game of the Barclays Premier League season for Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City in which he assaulted not one, not two but three players and then has the dignity to claim it was not a red card! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/queens-park-rangers/9263330/QPRs-Joey-Barton-assaults-three-Man-City-players-then-claims-it-was-never-a-red.html                                            
The features attached to the game not only make the game more realistic and interesting it also takes the audience away from the real world. Beating a mate in FIFA12 can seem like an accomplishment, it gives the player a sense of joy. FIFA12 doesn’t make you think you are playing the game, it makes you believe you are in the game.