Nov 08 2010
Week 11
1. We discuss video games as interactive interfaces. How does video games on video gaming consoles differ from games on personal mobile devices? Is there a difference?
2. Video games have always been a constant advancement that continues to show progression through time. It has always be interactive because of the game controller and now the opportunity to talk to the person you are playing against with bluetooth technology, etc. What can we learn from the constant progression of interactivity within video games?
3. What are some of the larger theories around video gaming that affect us as individuals and as members of society? Do they differ from the theory we’ve been discussing such as interactivity, in general, and social media?
November 12th, 2010 at 11:44 am
In response to question 2:
It seems that we can actually learn a lot from the progression of interactivity through studying the technology behind video games. Before the Internet was interactive, video games were and to a certain extent…technology and social networking took a lot away from the video game world. Prior to studying the videogames as interactivity, I never really compared the two enough to see the theories and how they build upon each other. However, gaming is extremely interactive because they are designed so that users’ input help determine the subsequent state of playing and stages. As more technology driven individuals in regards to the Internet and social media, we take away from video games the opportunity to interact with others on a more stable and consistent level. With that being said, one doesn’t have to necessarily pick up a video game controller to interact, but can get online using almost any tool that connects and enjoy endless interactive features whether fiction or non-fiction.
For example, my little cousin has been playing video games since the age of 5 and when Facebook became popular in his age group—he jumped on it and knew how to interact immediately. If he hadn’t have played video games for so long, jumping online to social media may have been more difficult and I think this is why we can vouche that social networking is easier for younger populations who know how to text, play video games on a variety of consoles such as phones, booths and actually stable consoles.
From video gaming, we’re able to see what people want and how they enjoy interacting with interfaces and this is the same thing technology today is aiming to give people. I imagine as time progresses we will see more game like features included into social networking. When I think of these two merging, I immediately think of so many facets in one vicinity such as Facebook being a venue for games, online chat, advertisements and social networking. It’s everything you need all in one and it’s somewhat developed from video gaming giving users the opportunity to play against friends in different locations and even talk to them in real-time.
The advancements and constant progression in video gaming technology supports the technological evolution and how much more customizable things are becoming. From streaming twitter feeds to gaming on mobile devices, video games and developers behind the technology have led the way for so many technological advancements that haven’t received proper credit for.