Explain at least two uses and gratifications of video games using Blumer and Katz's theory. Refer to the Lego movie to support your answer.
One way that video games use gratifications is that the theory states that it gives a sense of identity therefore playing video games, makes your real self come out as you have options to do certain things whilst playing. Another key element is that video games can easily take your mind of anything and if you had a rough day at school for an example, then playing a fun video game would distract you from the stress that you had therefore it could actually improve mental health. Escapism is very important and some stages in like especially when things aren't going exactly how you would like them to go and by playing a fun and enjoyable game it would be good to take a break from reality.
Another gratification is that it entertains people, the Lego movie was clearly liked and became very popular especially for younger children, and having a game to play in their spare time would keep them entertained for a while especially as it would be age appropriate. In the Lego movie game it is very important that the game is exciting and fun, if it was dull and boring it would have an impact on the people as they wouldn't want to play it but on the movie itself as less people would want to watch it.
Mark 4/10 You write confidently in your first paragraph on the 'uses and gratifications' in general but the real challenge is to then offer specific evidence form the actual video game.What aspects are exciting, for example? How is it escapist? Both paragraphs overlap: escapism / diversion / entertainment are number 1, so pick on one of the other 3 gratifications.
ReplyDeleteBlumler and Katz argued that there are many uses and gratifications that audiences gain from the media and these make the media successful. Personal identity, social integration and integration, entertainment, and surveillance are four types of uses and gratifications.
Video games offer entertainment: The Lego Movie Game, like most games, allows the player to enter a fictional world that means they can escape from their everyday life. It allows players to re-experience entertaining aspects of the original film, such as its humour and silliness. As players work their way up the levels they can feel the satisfaction of becoming an expert player.
Video games offer social interaction/integration: many multiplayer games enable a worldwide community of players
to come together in the game and communicate with each other; many gamers use online forums to discuss games with fellow fans. The Lego Movie Game is not a multiplayer game, but it does offer a set of characters that the audience already knows that they can interact with – this can give them a sense of belonging as if they are a member of a real community. Video games also allow people to escape from the people that they live with, if necessary, which may make it easier for them to live together. The more entertaining a game is, the better it can serve this purpose.