Video games and violent behaviour

Watch these two clips about the debate surrounding video games and violence - where do you stand on the debate? How do these ideas link to our audience theories?

Case studies: Narrative and Genre

It is important for you to be able to explain how narrative theories and genre conventions can be applied to video games.

You should pick two contrasting games, i.e. puzzle and first-person shooter, and stick with these choices for all the case studies.

My examples are going to be Roman Realms and Company of Heroes.

It is up to you how you present your case study. You may like to produce a mind map or written information.

Roman Realms - mind map example

Company of Heroes - fact file example

Game Name:   Company of Heroes

Genre:   Real time – Strategy

Narrative Theory:

  Todorov – can apply all five stages 

  Propp – Hero (Allies), Villain (Axis)

Gameplay:  Single player / multiplayer online. Take control of   map points; collect resources such as manpower,   munitions and fuel. Objective to complete mission.   Player in   control of narrative.

Storyline:   Set during WWII, command of two military units –   Battle of Normandy

Platform:   Windows PC / Mac OS X

Your task:

Choose two contrasting games.

Create a mind map / written information / other format.

Make notes on:

    Genre

    Narrative theories (Todorov/Propp)

    Platform

    Storyline

    Gameplay

Homework: Compare and contrast the narrative structures and genres of the two games you have chosen for your Case studies.

Web vocab

Revise your web media vocab by playing these games!