The Big Issue: Do video games negatively affect their audiences?

violence obesity/hygiene lack of social life

Lets recap audience theory...

How would computer games influence gamers, according to the hypodermic needle model?

How would computer games influence people, according to the cultivation analysis model?

The Uses & Gratifications theories are related to the idea that media texts fulfil a need for their intended audience. DIVERSION: an escape from reality
IDENTITY: recognise and explore behaviour traits and aspects of yourself
SURVEILLANCE: using media texts to collect information about the world around you

ENTERTAINMENT: using media texts for enjoyment SOCIAL INTERACTION: using media texts as a substitution for real relationships

Watch the video clip of the Alan Tichmarsh show.

What did you think of the arguments put forward by each side?
There is a long standing division between those concerned with effects who tend to base their worries on research experiments which use highly specific and artificial research methods and Media Studies academics who see the relationship between texts and their readers as much more complex. You must decide where you stand.

1. Are games violent?

1. Are games violent?

Yes. Violence is a dominant feature in the majority of videogames Violence is often necessary for a protagonist to achieve their goals When someone is killed in a videogame there is often little blood or excessive blood often victims simply dissolve or disappear If not a victim, other characters in videogames ignore violence or respond to it with violence

There is rarely any punishment/ consequences for killing in videogames not killing is often punished with the death of the player controlled character killing=progress=reward
Main characters often act violently because they have been victims of violence revenge There is often a range of exotic weapons in games as the player progress they are rewarded with better weapons Most videogame violence is committed without a weapon fists, kicks, jumps Handguns or bludgeoning weapons are the most popular props carried by characters

2. Do violent games cause violent behaviour?

Some people believe that the violence portrayed in videogames is a primary cause for violent acts committed by children. They believe that games make violence socially acceptable. They argue that children replicate the behaviour they view. This is an expression of the hypodermic model suggesting viewers respond to media messages in a passive way Some people believe that the violence of videogames has no influence on acts committed by children. They believe that games have a positive influence. They argue that games are sociable, teach children to overcome obstacles, improve concentration and hand/ eye co-ordination This is an expression of the uses and gratification model suggesting viewers respond to media messages in an active way

2. Do violent games cause violent behaviour?

Some high profile cases have been linked to video games. Put together a short presentation about one of these cases, using audience theory to explain your ideas to the class. Include: What happened and who was involved What role video games were suspected to play An outline of the game involved What other factors were present? (i.e. what else could be blamed for what happened?) Do you think video games can be held accountable? There are some resources to help you get started in the shared area and on the course weebly. These are a starting point only. Do your own research as well!

Making up your mind

What do you think do games have a negative or positive effect on their audience? Do games make you act a certain way? What do you learn from game-play?