Convergence Culture Conclusion

In the conclusion of "Convergence Culture",  Jenkins focuses on the convergence and future of the relationship between media and society. Jenkins reviews attempts in the past to bridge the gap, between producer and consumer. One of which was a network named "Current" created by Al Gore. A network developed to allow younger generations the opportunity to produce and weigh in on television programs; programs designed to educate and offer feedback on important topics which may be overlooked by today's adolescence.

The most avid viewpoint Jenkins makes, is the responsibility to educate on the subject of "media literacy." Jenkins concludes that today's understanding of media takes place in the "affinity spaces" around popular culture. With this in mind, most regard media as a negative influence, or as a threat; a sole entity with manipulation as their only agenda. In order for society to better understand the empowerment which media can deliver, we as a people must begin by understanding the goals media education will impart to different cultures and generations. As Jenkins states, the objective is for the younger people to think of themselves as "cultural producers and participants" and not just a "consumer."

Hepler and the Gaming Community

With regards to Hepler's interview, the gaming community appears to be, what the article states, a mob. It's true that no one should be belittled in such a way for doing their job. Arguments can be made on both sides on the quality of Bioware's storyline. Some may enjoy, some may not. But this should not warrant the naysayers to attack a writer. We must remember that developing a game is a TEAM effort. If we as gamers have an opinion about a game's development, our issues should be directed at the entire company.

However, I also feel that this type of criticism should not get this much attention. Let's not forget that this industry is worth billions of dollars. And if you create a product used by millions, you should expect shots from the public at every angle.

LGBT issues

First, in answering the question if I can name any gay, lesbian, or transsexual characters in gaming, the answer is no. And that's probably due to the fact that almost all the games I participate in are centered around the "strong heterosexual man type."

Now, to be perfectly honest, the issues that surround LGBT's do not concern me, simply because I don't care what someone's sexual orientation is. I am not gay; I do not have children who are gay; none of my friends are gay; and I am not a politician who's up for reelection where this topic would affect my votes. The issues surrounding the subject that are in the media are of no consequence. Simply put, I really don't care. This may not be the politically correct response, or may be insensitive, but it's just the way I feel.

Gender portrayal in Gaming

Video games, in my opinion, are obviously created for men, by men. The male figure is usually portrayed as a strong, aggressive, and competent figure. Whereas women are developed with one thing in mind: attraction. Girl characters are usually depicted as sexual, and incapable; which are qualities many "alpha" males look for in a girl. Now I have personally never played any games where gender is an issue, because I play mostly sporting games, but it's no surprise that gender is a complicated problem in the gaming industry. And why shouldn't it be, it's a dilemma in almost every facet in American culture. Men are strong, tough, and independent, while women are weak, dependent, and reliant on their physical attributes. I don't believe this, but this mindset is instilled in many people around the world. And until a miracle happens, and everyone believes that we are all equal, we will continue to see games that objectify women.

Articles & Game

http://www.vgblogger.com/review-mlb-12-the-show-vita/14720/
http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2009/450.html
http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/rpgseverywhere.html#.UGUGSVGz4qg
MLB The Show '12

These are just a few articles and the focus game I will be using for my final project. The central idea will revolve on RPG qualities in every game, especially sports games.

Analyzing Design Documents

The game"Oiligarchy" by La MollenIndustria, was ineffective in making me play the bad guy, however, it was effective in making me want to be the winner. And I suppose oil tycoons can argue the same. Perhaps executives in the oil industry do not see themselves as bad men, maybe just men in a business where the competition is unparalleled. And in order to succeed, they must do certain things to be the best. 

The difficulty in achieving the various endings may hurt the message or the ultimate goal of the game. It may distract the user by focusing more on the ending rather than the game play, or journey.

Although the ideas of the "McDonald's" game and "Oiligarchy" are roughly the same, the effectiveness of the "fast food" game does not strike the same chord as does Oiligarchy. Personally, I feel the reason for this, is because the problem or statement that Oiligarchy presents is more of a global concern, and a more serious one at that. The oil industry presents many more environmental issues, not to mention, international confrontations. The slaughter of cows doesn't hit home as much as oil does. And perhaps a major reason for that is the media, and gas prices. Out of sight is out of mind, right?. Maybe when Bic Macs are sold for $10, I'll concern myself with this game.

Death of the Author

First, I need to point out that the following is purely subjective.

While I understand Barthes' view on limiting a piece of writing to an authors' views and life, I do not view video games in the same respect as books. I play video games because they are games. I do not purchase games hoping to be inspired or schooled in some life lesson. They are for entertainment purposes only!

With that said, I feel that books, poems, or any text written by an author, should be considered literature by one man or woman. Although a piece of text may be contributed by many, it is this "author" who decides where this context comes from. Furthermore, and this may be a very false accusation, I feel that most video game companies and designers do not possess the wisdom that comes with years of life experiences and tribulations. Many authors travel the world, dive into different cultures, and destroy themselves, emotionally and mentally, to create these works. I doubt any gaming company or designer has gone through any of these things to create a video game. Now, this is not to say that programmers and teams of designers are not hard-working; I simply feel that these people do not have the right to call themselves authors.

Lastly, I do not feel that labeling a piece of text as having an Author, is limiting the text. Barthes states that readings have many levels. Absolutely! They have many levels because books, poems, and other writings are pieces of art. And however or whatever the lesson or philosophy that is hidden, depends entirely on the reader. If I look at a painting, I may see a dog, you may see a cat; but that painting had one Artist!

Hope this makes sense. If not, remember I am not an Author.