Playing Games

Fallout 4 (Bethesda, 2015)

What is the narrative style of the game? (non/linear? Equilibrium? Disruptions?)

• Linear, you have tasks to complete that follow with more tasks.

What genre (s) can you identify? (paradigms, iconography, hybridity etc.)

• Action/adventure
• Apocalypse, you must survive and save the last people on earth
• Ruined landscapes

How are we as an audience interacting with the game?

• We play the 'hero'
• We interact with the game through making choices and talking to other characters to  gain information.

Does the game appeal to a mainstream or a niche audience? How?

• The game appeals to a mainstream audience by using a linear, action filled narrative where the player can make decisions for their character and choose how the game plays out.
• The game appeals to a niche audience as it is the fourth version release of the game, which means fans will be excited for new software and updates on the new version of the game.

What is the preferred reading of the game? 

• Narrative based, like a story
• Play gradually, where the narrative slowly unfolds and has meaning.

Dark Souls 3 (From, 2016)

What is the narrative style of the game? (non/linear? Equilibrium? Disruptions?)

• Linear narrative, chronological, quest
• Constant disruptions, eg, fighting different characters.

What genre (s) can you identify? (paradigms, iconography, hybridity etc.)

• Medieval villager action/adventure
• Genre hybridity: sci-fi, fantasy, action.
• Medieval costume/setting eg. sword and shield.
• Dark colours to create an atmosphere.

How are we as an audience interacting with the game?

• We try to resolve the constant disruption with fighting the characters and being the 'hero'.
• We get to collect items and use tools and different weapons to carry out the fighting.

Does the game appeal to a mainstream or a niche audience? How?

• It appeals to a mainstream audience by using a linear style narrative, simple to follow, where the player must complete tasks and 'fight off evil' a common and popular style narrative in action videogames.
• It appeals to a niche audience by using sci-fi/ fantasy genre paradigms, that aren't very popular with the mainstream audience.

What is the preferred reading of the game? 

• Narrative based, like a story