OSP & Videogames: An introduction

1) What were the first videogames like?

In October 1958, Physicist William Higinbotham created what is thought to be the first video game. It was a very simple tennis game, similar to the classic 1970s video game Pong

2) How have videogames changed over time?

From the 2000s and into the 2010s, the industry has seen a shift of demographics as mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets displaced handheld consoles, and casual gaming became an increasingly larger sector of the market, as well as a growth in the number of players from China and other areas not traditionally tied 

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?

Storylines are a key component of successful games. They provide players with an immersive experience and give them something to invest in emotionally. A good storyline can keep players engaged for hours, days, or even weeks as they explore the game's world and uncover its secrets.

4) What criticisms have been made towards videogames?

Areas of controversy

• Violence. 
• Sexual themes. 
• Content regulation and censorship. 
• Portrayal of religion. 
• Portrayal of gender. 
• Portrayal of sexual orientation and gender identity. 
• Portrayal of race, nationality, and ethnicity. 
• Gaming addiction, gaming disorder, and other health-related concerns.

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

After bursting onto the scene in 2017, Fortnite has since become a worldwide phenomenon, amassing 500 million players across the globe as of March 2023, up from 400 million in May 2021.

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

Fortnite has used a combination of addictive gameplay, media/technological convergence and marketing to target a diverse and varied audience.

3) Why might some people criticise Fortnite?

They may not like how matches can go by quickly, or maybe the weapons feel too off from the mechanics and controls they're already used to. Perhaps they're not one for the game's visual style and would prefer something a little more “realistic”.