OSP & Videogames: An introduction

Our new media topic is called Online, Social, Participatory media and Videogames - an in-depth area of study on new and digital media with three Close-Study Products.

Here's a short video updating where we are and what we are studying this half-term:





Over the next half-term, we need to study the following CSPs:

Lara Croft GO
Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
Zoella (YouTube channel link - a quick video about Zoella's background is here)

We need to study these products using all four key concepts: Language, Industry, Audience and Representation. We will start with videogames as Lara Croft GO and Kim Kardashian: Hollywood are both good examples of the changing nature of the videogames industry.

However, this week we will simply be introducing the videogames topic by learning about the history of videogames and how this type of media has developed hugely in the last 40 years.

A brief history of videogames: blog task

Watch this 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?

2) How have videogames changed over time?

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?

4) What criticisms have been made towards videogames over the years? Here's a good article on the impact of videogames on players that might be helpful.

Read this Guardian feature from about the sensationally popular videogame Fortnite: Battle Royale and watch the original trailer below.




Now answer the following questions:

1) How many Fortnite players are there worldwide? Here's an updated article with recent figures for you.

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

3) Why might some people criticise Fortnite?

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.

Grade 8/9 extension tasks

Read this news story reporting that Prince Harry has called for Fortnite to be banned. Why does the Prince think Fortnite producer Epic Games is irresponsible?

Due: next Monday