Blog presentations were this week and there weren’t any readings, so in addition to blog maintenance I’d like to briefly discuss internet gaming. Very broadly, online gaming is playing with other human players through an internet connection. Even though you don’t interact face to face with online peers, gaming over the internet allows some forms of social interaction through chat boxes, audio headsets, etc. I would say that the most common form of online gaming is through a pc, but it is also popular through consoles. Xbox live, the Xbox 360’s internet multiplayer service, is also widely popular with titles such as Call of Duty and Halo. On the pc, the World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy are some examples of mmorpgs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games.
Online gamers have differentiated themselves from popular culture through distinct mannerisms and by even having their own vocabulary. As I discussed on the 15th, words used by online gamers sometimes coincide with internet culture, as the two are connected. In addition to having their own set of vocabulary, online gamers have developed a somewhat negative reputation. When imagining an internet gamer, one typically thinks of an ultra-competitive adolescent or young adult who is often self-absorbed and aggressive. Sadly like many stereotypes, this is often true. But with the growth of technology, internet gaming has a growing audience, and I would venture to say that the majority of participants in online gaming don’t have these negative characteristics.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Female Gender Roles
In “Femininity as Mas[s]querade: A Feminist Approach to Mass Culture,” Tania Modleski discusses the relationship between women and mass culture. According to Modleski, popular or mass culture serves to maintain gender roles and makes certain characteristics “ideal” for males and females. The ideal male figure represents production and work, as well as other typical masculine characteristics. Females on the other hand are represented by consumption and passivity, which makes them victims of culture, says Modleski.
Video games are an avenue of pop culture and definitely portray gender roles. Many video games follow a basic scenario; the male protagonist has a girlfriend, she is abducted, the male hero must rescue her. This goes to show that we expect women to be helpless and passive, while it is the men who need to be proactive.
Speaking of gender roles, in class we discussed gender-benders, and more specifically drag kings. A “drag king” is a woman who intentionally takes on the appearance of a man, usually for satirical purposes (or is a lesbian). The drag king is an example of an increasing trend: the blurring of the lines between what is masculine and what is feminine. Its unusual to think of drag kings as progress, but I guess you could if you believe that there should be a total absence of gender roles.
Video games are an avenue of pop culture and definitely portray gender roles. Many video games follow a basic scenario; the male protagonist has a girlfriend, she is abducted, the male hero must rescue her. This goes to show that we expect women to be helpless and passive, while it is the men who need to be proactive.
Speaking of gender roles, in class we discussed gender-benders, and more specifically drag kings. A “drag king” is a woman who intentionally takes on the appearance of a man, usually for satirical purposes (or is a lesbian). The drag king is an example of an increasing trend: the blurring of the lines between what is masculine and what is feminine. Its unusual to think of drag kings as progress, but I guess you could if you believe that there should be a total absence of gender roles.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Gaming Subculture
I think that gaming can in some ways be categorized as a subculture, even though video games are almost completely commercialized and widely popular. However, I believe that gaming can be categorized as either popular culture or subculture, based on the gamer’s level of involvement and enthusiasm. For example, a cheerleader who occasionally plays wii fit would probably be an example of popular culture, while a mmorpg(large multiplayer game on the internet) player who sits at his computer for most of the day would be an example of subculture.
This brings me to my next point. Subcultures can sometimes be identified by mannerisms, clothing, and vocabulary. Though in many ways similar to internet culture, online gaming is a distinct facet of video games that easily fits into the idea of a subculture. Some vocab utilized in the gaming environment include words such as lol (laugh out loud), newb (a beginner), noob (derogatory), gg(good game), and cc (change channel).
Its also interesting to find that many words used in gaming have a complex etymology, such as the word “pwned.” According to the urban dictionary, pwned is “A corruption of the word "Owned." This originated in an online game called Warcraft, where a map designer misspelled "owned." When the computer beat a player, it was supposed to say, so-and-so "has been owned." Instead, it said, so-and-so "has been pwned." It basically means "to own" or to be dominated by an opponent or situation, especially by some god-like or computer-like force.” Source: http://www.urbandictionary.com
This brings me to my next point. Subcultures can sometimes be identified by mannerisms, clothing, and vocabulary. Though in many ways similar to internet culture, online gaming is a distinct facet of video games that easily fits into the idea of a subculture. Some vocab utilized in the gaming environment include words such as lol (laugh out loud), newb (a beginner), noob (derogatory), gg(good game), and cc (change channel).
Its also interesting to find that many words used in gaming have a complex etymology, such as the word “pwned.” According to the urban dictionary, pwned is “A corruption of the word "Owned." This originated in an online game called Warcraft, where a map designer misspelled "owned." When the computer beat a player, it was supposed to say, so-and-so "has been owned." Instead, it said, so-and-so "has been pwned." It basically means "to own" or to be dominated by an opponent or situation, especially by some god-like or computer-like force.” Source: http://www.urbandictionary.com
Friday, October 8, 2010
Aestheticism vs. Popular Taste
This week in class, we discussed art and divided it into two categories, Aestheticism and popular taste. Aesthetic art is often described as “art for art’s sake.” In other words, aestheticism defines the creation of art primarily for the appreciation of its beauty. We also discussed other characteristics of aestheticism, including that it is timeless, complex (requires specialized knowledge to appreciate it), universal, and focuses on the conditions of its construction.
Popular art has many traits in opposition to aestheticism. First of all, popular art is not merely art for art’s sake, but tends to be for a purpose, or functional. It also tends to be historically or culturally specific as opposed to being timeless. Popular art focuses on aspects of its condition or consumption rather than construction. Most if not all of these traits are the exact opposite of aesthetic art’s.
In the same way that some movies are and are not considered art, I believe that video games are in a similar predicament. As a whole, video games seem to fit neatly into the popular taste category, but can have some characteristics of aestheticism. I think that video games are culturally specific and lack timelessness for the most part. Furthermore, they are functional in that they serve as entertainment. The most obvious trait of popular art present in video games is the focus on their marketing and consumption by the masses. Though no examples come to mind, I definitely think that some games hold the characteristic of complexity, or that it requires specialized knowledge to appreciate them. The very nature of video games themselves is that you fully can or cannot appreciate them.
Popular art has many traits in opposition to aestheticism. First of all, popular art is not merely art for art’s sake, but tends to be for a purpose, or functional. It also tends to be historically or culturally specific as opposed to being timeless. Popular art focuses on aspects of its condition or consumption rather than construction. Most if not all of these traits are the exact opposite of aesthetic art’s.
In the same way that some movies are and are not considered art, I believe that video games are in a similar predicament. As a whole, video games seem to fit neatly into the popular taste category, but can have some characteristics of aestheticism. I think that video games are culturally specific and lack timelessness for the most part. Furthermore, they are functional in that they serve as entertainment. The most obvious trait of popular art present in video games is the focus on their marketing and consumption by the masses. Though no examples come to mind, I definitely think that some games hold the characteristic of complexity, or that it requires specialized knowledge to appreciate them. The very nature of video games themselves is that you fully can or cannot appreciate them.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Marketing and teen America
On Tuesday, our class watched a PBS documentary called ‘The Merchants of Cool,” which discussed the relationship between targeted marketing, today’s youth, and the media. Teens today are the largest group of consumers in America. According to the documentary, teens spent $100 billion last year and persuaded their parents to spend another $50 billion. The ability to make large amounts of money is the incentive behind the relentless targeted marketing of teens. The video also asks if it is ethical for companies to go so far as to create popular culture to sell, rather than sell what the youth actually wants.
One thing that I found interesting was when the video described “resistance to the commercial machine.” Both the Insane Clown Posse and Eminem, says Frontline, have lyrics that promote violence, profanity, and rebellion against culture, yet they became a part of popular culture themselves. Teens have accepted these types of music, and other big names have seen good business because of it.
It may be a bit of a stretch, but when I saw this segment I was instantly reminded of the UFC. Because of its excessive violence, in many ways mma was considered taboo. The resistance to the machine and violence has made the UFC both become part of popular culture and appeal to teens. As a result, it has become a mode for the targeted marketing of teens. I can’t remember watching a single fight night without aggressive teen marketing, whether it was WoW, PS3, or their own video games. I enjoy both watching UFC and playing video games, but I find it interesting that video games are aggressively marketed in the context of violence.
One thing that I found interesting was when the video described “resistance to the commercial machine.” Both the Insane Clown Posse and Eminem, says Frontline, have lyrics that promote violence, profanity, and rebellion against culture, yet they became a part of popular culture themselves. Teens have accepted these types of music, and other big names have seen good business because of it.
It may be a bit of a stretch, but when I saw this segment I was instantly reminded of the UFC. Because of its excessive violence, in many ways mma was considered taboo. The resistance to the machine and violence has made the UFC both become part of popular culture and appeal to teens. As a result, it has become a mode for the targeted marketing of teens. I can’t remember watching a single fight night without aggressive teen marketing, whether it was WoW, PS3, or their own video games. I enjoy both watching UFC and playing video games, but I find it interesting that video games are aggressively marketed in the context of violence.
UFC / Assassin's Creed II Spot - National Commercial from Chris Fitts on Vimeo.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
In “Corporate Disney in Action,” Janet Wasko points out the contradictions between the image and legal practices of the Disney Company. When someone thinks about Disney, they usually think of fairytales, magic, and innocent characters such as Mickey Mouse, not of business and lawsuits. Disney has the right to be proactive in protecting their works, and they have shown this by suing over 1000 defendants.
However, for such a company that markets their innocence, Disney can be a bit extreme when it comes to legal issues. For example, Disney threatened to take legal action against three Daycare centers in Florida who had painted Disney characters on their walls. (Follow this link for the full story http://www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/daycare.asp).
Despite often marketing products for a younger audience, the video game industry also aggressively enforces their copyrights. In the 90’s, Nintendo sued blockbuster for photocopying game manuals to be included with the rented games.
However, for such a company that markets their innocence, Disney can be a bit extreme when it comes to legal issues. For example, Disney threatened to take legal action against three Daycare centers in Florida who had painted Disney characters on their walls. (Follow this link for the full story http://www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/daycare.asp).
Despite often marketing products for a younger audience, the video game industry also aggressively enforces their copyrights. In the 90’s, Nintendo sued blockbuster for photocopying game manuals to be included with the rented games.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Are video games art?
In the context of mechanical reproduction, the text discusses commodities as art that is reproduced on a large scale. This may seem like a foolish question to ask, but are video games art? According to dictionary.com (not the most renowned source I realize), art is "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance." Although this definition of art may be incomplete, I think that it conveys that a work of art is a work of exceptional beauty and quality.
I'm not going to say that all video games are art, but some certainly are. One way this is demonstrated is through the effort and coordination of the "artists" to produce a video game. The development of large-scale game usually requires the abilities of several specialists such as a developers, graphic designers, sound designers, and musicians. Some titles even go so far as to utilize an orchestra, such as is the case with Nintendo's popular title Super Mario Galaxy. Sometime in the near future, I will either edit this post or create a new one comparing video games to film as art. In the mean time, below is a music selection from the Super Mario Galaxy orchestra.
I'm not going to say that all video games are art, but some certainly are. One way this is demonstrated is through the effort and coordination of the "artists" to produce a video game. The development of large-scale game usually requires the abilities of several specialists such as a developers, graphic designers, sound designers, and musicians. Some titles even go so far as to utilize an orchestra, such as is the case with Nintendo's popular title Super Mario Galaxy. Sometime in the near future, I will either edit this post or create a new one comparing video games to film as art. In the mean time, below is a music selection from the Super Mario Galaxy orchestra.
Mass culture and culture industry
In the first few weeks of class, we discussed the definitions of popular culture, mass culture, culture industry, and product placement. Because it is still early in the semester, I think it would be a good opportunity to make my own attempt at defining some of these terms.
Popular culture to me is a phenomenon where something or someone becomes widely accepted, often heavily influenced by the media. I believe that people choose to be part of it not only because it might appeal to them, but because they want to fit in and feel like they are a part of something.
This brings us to the definition of mass culture. Mass culture is similar to popular culture, except that the term "mass" was used to refer to commoners or the lower class. Such low-brow entertainment was looked down upon by the elite.
We also discussed two definitions that closely link video games and pop culture: culture industry and product placement. The culture industry refers to businesses who use the widely accepted appeal of something to produce and sell a product.
Product placement usually occurs in a form of media that is usually or supposed to be void of ads. For example, product placement often occurs in movies, such as for shoes in the Sex and the City movie.
Soon, I'll edit this post to include some examples of product placement
Popular culture to me is a phenomenon where something or someone becomes widely accepted, often heavily influenced by the media. I believe that people choose to be part of it not only because it might appeal to them, but because they want to fit in and feel like they are a part of something.
This brings us to the definition of mass culture. Mass culture is similar to popular culture, except that the term "mass" was used to refer to commoners or the lower class. Such low-brow entertainment was looked down upon by the elite.
We also discussed two definitions that closely link video games and pop culture: culture industry and product placement. The culture industry refers to businesses who use the widely accepted appeal of something to produce and sell a product.
Product placement usually occurs in a form of media that is usually or supposed to be void of ads. For example, product placement often occurs in movies, such as for shoes in the Sex and the City movie.
Soon, I'll edit this post to include some examples of product placement
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Welcome to my first blog
Video games have been around for little over 60 years-but during that time, they’ve seen an exponential increase in popularity and have become an integral part of popular culture. Though initially having a more specific definition, video games now are taken to describe almost any form of interactive entertainment with a display. Personal computers, cell phones, video game consoles (Xbox 360, Wii, PS3), and portable game devices such as the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP are all common examples of ways to play today. This blog is primarily a class assignment, but is also an opportunity for me to explore a unique aspect of pop culture. Over the next few months, I hope to discuss video games, popular culture, and their relationship to class material.
I would say that video games started to become part of the mainstream with the introduction of Pong in the 1970’s. The simple two-dimensional tennis game was the first to be a major monetary success, which resulted in the commercialization of the gaming industry. Titles such as “Space Invaders” followed Pong’s release and encouraged growth of the industry and in-home consoles. I couldn't find a decent version of pong, so here is a version of Space Invaders similar to the classic arcade game:
Space Invaders
Powered by: MySpace Games
With advancements in technology, Video games have evolved to become the entertainment for the masses that we see presently, and are frequently mentioned in other forms of mass media. If you watch TV, you will probably hear about games such as Halo, Grand Theft Auto, The Legend of Zelda, and the World of Warcraft on a regular basis.
I believe that video games have grown so popular because they’re a unique form of entertainment. Personally, gaming appeals to me because it is engaging and requires you to be proactive, yet is a good way to kick back and is not physically demanding. Furthermore, it promotes healthy competition, which I’m hoping to discuss later in the context of online gaming and internet culture.
Like I said earlier, it’s hard not to hear about video games because they are so widespread throughout the media. Advertisements depicting video games appear on channels ranging from cartoon network to Spike TV, depending on the target audience. There are actually whole channels dedicated to gaming, the prime example being G4. Web-based shows also use video game engines or characters for the plot. In recent years especially, movies based on video games are becoming more and more prevalent. Some examples of the more widely known films include The Prince of Persia, Hitman, Max Payne, Bloodrayne, Tomb Raider, Doom, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill. I think I'll conclude this post with a scene from Doom, which mimics the first-person shooter genre in video games, enjoy!
I would say that video games started to become part of the mainstream with the introduction of Pong in the 1970’s. The simple two-dimensional tennis game was the first to be a major monetary success, which resulted in the commercialization of the gaming industry. Titles such as “Space Invaders” followed Pong’s release and encouraged growth of the industry and in-home consoles. I couldn't find a decent version of pong, so here is a version of Space Invaders similar to the classic arcade game:
Space Invaders
Powered by: MySpace Games
With advancements in technology, Video games have evolved to become the entertainment for the masses that we see presently, and are frequently mentioned in other forms of mass media. If you watch TV, you will probably hear about games such as Halo, Grand Theft Auto, The Legend of Zelda, and the World of Warcraft on a regular basis.
I believe that video games have grown so popular because they’re a unique form of entertainment. Personally, gaming appeals to me because it is engaging and requires you to be proactive, yet is a good way to kick back and is not physically demanding. Furthermore, it promotes healthy competition, which I’m hoping to discuss later in the context of online gaming and internet culture.
Like I said earlier, it’s hard not to hear about video games because they are so widespread throughout the media. Advertisements depicting video games appear on channels ranging from cartoon network to Spike TV, depending on the target audience. There are actually whole channels dedicated to gaming, the prime example being G4. Web-based shows also use video game engines or characters for the plot. In recent years especially, movies based on video games are becoming more and more prevalent. Some examples of the more widely known films include The Prince of Persia, Hitman, Max Payne, Bloodrayne, Tomb Raider, Doom, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill. I think I'll conclude this post with a scene from Doom, which mimics the first-person shooter genre in video games, enjoy!
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