Video Games Introduction + Fortnite

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Video Games (Introduction)

1) What were the first videogames like?

Games were Two-Dimensional and worked with limited screen pixels to create a game (with technology at the time) + Mostly arcade style.

2) How have videogames changed over time?

Videogames have developed in terms of budget, technology and 

3) What do the most successful games have in common? Answer this in as much detail as you can. Think about audience pleasures - what do people like about playing videogames?

Successful games all feature elements of addictive gameplay - meaningful progression (to let the player feel more accomplished) - immersive worlds like Grand Theft Auto - emotional investment, challenge, reward, and social connection with aesthetically pleasing designs. Going for what people truly enjoy about playing games, makes the player come back for more gameplay

4) What criticisms have been made towards videogames?

Addiction being the most common + violence, aggression, social isolation

Fortnite (Game)

1) At the time of the article, how many Fortnite players were there worldwide? (Bonus question - how many are there now?

2017-2018, 2 weeks to reach 10 million players after Battle Royale - shortly after it amassed around 125 million worldwide

As of today - there are 650 million registered Fortnite players

2) Why is it so popular? What are the audience pleasures of the game?

Satisfaction of eliminating other players in the game (competition) and the rarity in Fortnite's early days of a "victory royale" + it's in-game cosmetics that may be pleasing to the demographic.

3) Why might some people criticise Fortnite?

Scandals with their in-game shop + it's influence and significance in the industry. Started trends of  creating a free-to-play game with cosmetics that are behind a paywall.

4) Copy and paste two comments from 'below the line' of the Guardian article - these are comments written by Guardian readers in response to the feature. Select one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and explain why.



Extension task: read this news story reporting that Prince Harry has called for Fortnite to be banned. Why does the Prince think Fortnite producer Epic Games is irresponsible?

Addictiveness, mental health, exploitation, violence + aggression. Criticising Epic Games for not taking more responsibility in how they impact children for creating products - seen as unregulated? - potentially harmful to young audiences. Exaggeration.

Read this Guardian article on videogames being more important than sport and music when it comes to youth culture. Do you agree on the cultural significance of videogames?

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