Research Investigation
The essay will be an in depth investigation of a specific genre of video game - looking at how it uses narrative in terms of structure, setting, characters and iconography. By extension this essay will explore elements of games that could be considered 'postmodern'.
The essay has the potential to answer a variety of questions: As video games become more realistic are they becoming more like films? Do all games reference other games? Do games change or shape our perceptions of reality? Do video games tap into narrative structures and devices that an audience will recognise from other media or have a new set of narrative rules emerged?
Some fascinating areas to investigate and the potential to explore a medium which has not been fully dissected by theorists. This, however does mean that there are limited resources available out there specifically about gaming - and you will have to be analytical of other works written about Narrative, Genre and Postmodernism.
Obviously you'll need to think carefully about the genre you choose and the games you use to analyse.
Some ideas:
- First person shooters & Halo
- RPGs & Fallout
- Open World (sandbox) games & GTA
- Adventure games & Zelda
REMEMBER: This is not an audience study - these essays should not be about audience effects.
When posting research label it with your name and: Video Games; Genre, Narrative, Postmodernism
Media Product
You will create the cover for a video game which is based on the findings of your research investigation - you will also write a create a review of that game for a typical gaming magazine such as Edge. Entirely recreating the written style and mise-en-scene of such a magazine.
You must give the impression that your magazine is a typical high street gaming magazine whilst at the same time making sure that it is understood what was learned in your research investigation.
You will have to demonstrate that the game you have created has many of the Generic codes, Narrative conventions and Postmodern elements that you have discovered in your research.
To create the games cover you will need excellent skills in Adobe Photoshop to help you realise various effects that make characters look as though they are computer generated.
You must be able to think of complex narratives and themes that are subtle yet shine through in your game cover - this is not an easy project.
Done well this project can look stylish and interesting.
Done badly and it will look cheap and amateurish.
