Topic 8: Are Computer Games a Waste of Time?

Lecture: Are Computer games a waste of time?

In the lecture we discussed computer games and the research that has been done on them and the approach taken to studying them. In the lecture discussion topics where media effects and games, the persistence of effect, games and utopia. Video games as a new form of cultural practice thinking of them in the same way we now think about old media, newspapers, radio, TV and films. Narratology vs. Ludology, ‘Fun doesn’t always represent realism’.

Tutorial: Advanced Uses of Microsoft word

The First Couple of Tasks were easy and I already know how to do them as they are an everyday use application in word, such as opening a document, typing, saving, making text bold italic and underlined and making bullet points, also header Footers and double spacing. I did do the track changes task, which I could see as useful though I’m not sure how often I would remember to use it. I also did the mail merger task which I could see as useful if I was to be in a job doing a lot of mailing out, as I want to be in marketing this may be something I need to know for work experience maybe.

Required reading: Trigger Happy

Trigger Happy discusses how certain aspects of reality are represented in video games and are modeled in a realistic way where as other aspects are deliberately skewed and certain effects are created more characteristically specifically for the requirements of the specific game. This is done for the players as it is believed that true to life situation within a game specifically in weapons etc can become mundane to the player as it is too real world and people find this boring. Though wanting unrealistic more imaginative play, it’s also pointed out that gamers do want the games system to remain consistent and internally coherent. Incoherence is one thing that can wreck game play, there are three ways incoherence can affect the game, incoherence of casualty: if a rocket launcher can blow up the enemy but does not work when fired at wooden door. Incoherence of function: such as ‘single use function, a magic book that only works in one location. And incoherence of space or spatial management: not being able to simply drop an object on the ground but having to place in a chest, which u can then access 3 stories higher and retrieve the same object.