From the BBC: According to Activision chief Mike Griffith, video games are poised to eclipse all other forms of media entertainment in terms of sales. While television ratings, movie ticket sales, and CD sales have all fallen in the past six years, sales of games (computer and console based) have risen. Many in the industry attribute this phenomenon to the interactive character of games. Active participation, some would argue, allows more satisfaction in the entertainment experience than does passive participation. Of course, looking at sales alone can be misleading given the preponderance of "piracy" in the film, television, and music industries during the same time period, as well as the availability of these forms of entertainment in "legitimate" online spaces. However, one must also consider the "replay value" of games, a factor that the gaming industry has long measured during the design phase. As artificial intelligence engines continue to develop, gaming experiences are becoming more and more diverse, theoretically enhancing their replay value. Another consideration is cost. Although some video game consoles remain very expensive (e.g. Sony's PS3) and therefore accessible only to a fraction of the population, the spread of PC Bangs in South Korea and wang-bas in China (as well as similar businesses in other countries) mean that there are spaces where one can immerse oneself in virtual worlds for relatively low costs. As a long time Star Trek geek, I am reminded of the history of that canon where "old" media forms such as television and film disappeared in the early 21st century due to lack of popularity. Are we really that far away from developing something like Star Trek's holodecks, which could be seen as the ultimate interactive entertainment experience?
-Stephen "Stevie" Rea (your TA)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
When considering technology and the role that it plays in our media, one will have to understand that as it changes the audience will also change. Games in general have been more player involved in that we have changed the names of games to fit the consumer (ie. RPG "role playing game," "first person shooter," etc.). It can be considered that it is only a matter of time before scenes involving futuristic technology in films is a part of our societal norms. Communities, groups of consumers, or people who play these games emerge from popular trends. These trends fit into an economic equation in that if there is a demand, a supply will be given; therefore, if a trend of demand for more and/or better technology is presented a supply will be created for that demand. Only time will tell whether or not that supply will meet the demand.
Rather than having T.V. shows, movies, and music disappear due to lack of interest, I'd say we're more on the verge of having all these combine with video games to create an entirely new experience.
With the movie My Bloody Valentine 3D coming out this Friday, we can see a move towards more "participation" from the audience. Though viewers of 3D movies can't yet affect the outcome of the movie, and though there aren't high hopes for My Bloody Valentine, it's possible that movies will one day be like "dating simulation" games. R.L. Stine tried something like that with his Goosebumps series, and at least I enjoyed those books as a kid.
Looking around at all the Heroes and Gossip Girls fans, I doubt we'll lose T.V. shows anytime soon.
Music sales are in danger due to rampant piracy, but it won't completely disappear. It's still necessary in shows, movies, and games for influencing the mood of the viewer/player. Some people make a name for themselves by creating music specifically for games, so at least video game music will still be alive.
Post a Comment