Case studies: audience

It is important for you to be able to explain who the video games’ audiences are. You will need to be able to discuss who is playing the games, why they play games and the effects that can be caused. You should be able to explain audience theories, such as uses and gratifications theory, two-step flow and the Hypodermic Needle model. You will also need to show you understand that there are good effects as well as bad, and be able to quote effects theories such as the temperament theory, desensitisation theory and social learning theory.

You will be using the same two games to present your case study.

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

Company of Heroes

Who:  Hardcore gamers – males

    

Why:   Blumler and Katz’s uses and gratifications theory

    Entertainment – escape, relax

    Relationships – online multiplayer, competitions, tournaments

    Identity – members of the armed forces

    Information – learn about World War II

Effects:   Active or passive audience – likely active – Hypodermic does not apply

    Two-step flow – opinions of others, reviews may persuade them to play

 

Bad:  Temperament theory applies – violence/war

    Desensitisation theory applies – more played, less likely to effect

    Social learning theory applies – model behaviour on actions of characters

Good :  Problem solving, reflexes, reaction time, coordination, cognitive development

Your task

Choose two contrasting games.

Create a mind map / written information / other format.

Make notes on:

    WHO are the audience? Gamer profiles, ages, gender

    WHY are they playing? Uses and gratifications theory

    EFFECTS? Temperament, desensitisation, social       learning, good effects as well as bad