Magana+Bianca


 * Lab 2 - Response**

Can Video Games be considered another new mass media? What makes Video Games a different medium from conventional movies and music? Why are video games catching on?

Video games can be considered another new mass media as they connect individuals all around the world to the one source. Mass media reach large audiences at once; video games have messages as well as ideologies embedded in them. For example, when children play games that have violence embedded in them it has been shown that they imitate these acts when at school or even at home. With today’s technology people are able to communicate and play with others online all connected through the same media device. Video game users share the gaming experience when facing each other online or even when they play separately. Users often communicate about the actions in the game after playing it, and create a relationship about the experience as a game user. Video games are also being used to advertise companies such as Rogers. In the video game Madden, Rogers has an advertisement presented in the game in which it encourages users to switch over to Rogers if they have a slow connection. Hence, when users are playing their games they are also sent subliminal messages in this mass media. Video games are a different medium form conventional movies and music as they actually engage the user in the media. When a user is playing a video game they feel as if they are apart of the actual game, and are more intense about it. Hence, the user may be able to recall more from this medium as opposed to a movie or music. Video games are becoming more popular catching on as many movies and television shows are transformed from those medias to video games, and once a user really enjoys and television show or movie they are more likely to also purchase the video game. Also, the media is advertising these video games more to the public with catchy commercials or eye catching billboards.


 * Lab 3 Response**