CHAPTER 3 Digital Gaming and the Media Playground Advances in Virtual Reality Technology ‘In 2014, Facebook bought the virtual reality company, Oculus VR, which promises ‘total immersion’ into a 3D virtual world. ‘Oculus, along with competitor products, may become a leading interface for transactions in the media business. The Development of Digital Gaming ‘Industrial Revolution ‘Promoted mass consumption ‘Emergence of leisure time ‘Digital games ‘Evolved from their simplest forms in the arcade into four major formats: television, handheld devices, computers, and the Internet Mechanical Gaming ‘Coin-operated counter machines ‘First appeared in train depots, hotel lobbies, bars, and restaurants ‘Penny arcade ‘Helped shape future media technology ‘Automated phonographs ? jukebox ‘Kinetoscope ? movies ‘Bagatelle ? pinball machine The First Video Games (1 of 2) ‘Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device ‘Key component of the first video games: the cathode ray tube (CRT) ‘Odyssey ‘First home television game ‘Modern arcades ‘Gathered multiple coin-operated games together The First Video Games (2 of 2) ‘Atari ‘Created Pong ‘Kept score on the screen ‘Made blip noises when the ball hit the paddles or bounced off the sides of the court ‘First video game popular in arcades ‘Home version was marketed through an exclusive deal with Sears. Arcades and Classic Games ‘Late 1970s and early 1980s ‘Games like Asteroids, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong were popular in arcades and bars. ‘Signaled electronic gaming’s potential as a social medium ‘Gaming included the use of joysticks and buttons. ‘Pac-Man featured the first avatar. Consoles and Advancing Graphics (1 of 2) ‘Consoles ‘Devices specifically used to play video games ‘The higher the bit rating, the more sophisticated the graphics ‘Early consoles ‘Atari 2600 (1977) ‘Nintendo Entertainment System (1983) ‘Sega Genesis (1989) Consoles and Advancing Graphics (2 of 2) ‘Major home console makers ‘Nintendo ‘Wii ‘Microsoft ‘Xbox and Kinect ‘Sony ‘Playstation series ‘Not every popular game is available on all three platforms. Gaming on Home Computers ‘Advantages over early consoles ‘Greater versatility ‘Faster processing speeds ‘Better graphics ‘Resurgence in PC gaming ‘Free-to-play games ‘Subscription games ‘Social media games The Internet Transforms Gaming ‘Online connections are now a normal part of console games. ‘Made live online multiplayer play possible ‘Enabled the spread of video games to converged devices ‘Paved the way for social gaming, virtual worlds, and massively multiplayer online games MMORPGs, Virtual Worlds, and Social Gaming ‘Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) ‘Set in virtual worlds ‘Large groups of players ‘Online fantasy sports games ‘Actual sports results determine scores in their online games. ‘Popular in social networking sites Convergence: From Consoles to Mobile Gaming ‘Consoles become entertainment centers ‘Multiple forms of media converging in a single device ‘Portable players and mobile gaming ‘Portable devices are facing competition from smartphones and touchscreen tablets Video Game Genres ‘Electronic Software Association organizes games by gameplay. ‘Action games and shooter games ‘Adventure games ‘Role-playing games ‘Strategy and simulation games ‘Casual games ‘Sports, music, and dance games Figure 3.1: Top Video Game Genres by Units Sold, 2014 Communities of Play: Inside the Game ‘Two basic types of groups ‘PUGs (Pick-Up Groups) ‘Elite players ‘Noobs ‘Ninjas ‘Trolls ‘Guilds or clans ‘Players communicate through voice and text. Communities of Play: Outside the Game ‘Collective intelligence ‘Gamers sharing their knowledge and ideas ‘Modding ‘Game sites ‘GameSpot.com, Penny-arcade.com ‘Conventions ‘E3, Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), Blizzcon, and the Tokyo Game Show Electronic Gaming and Media Culture ‘Fantasy league sports have spawned a number of draft specials on ESPN and a regular podcast on ESPN radio. ‘Electronic games have inspired movies, and video game spin-offs are common for blockbusters. ‘Comic books and animation have also inspired video games. Electronic Gaming and Advertising ‘Advergames ‘Video games created for purely promotional purposes ‘In-game advertisements ‘Ads integrated as billboards, logos, storefronts, etc., within games ‘Some can be altered remotely so they can be tailored to players based on numerous factors. Addiction and Other Concerns (1 of 2) ‘Addiction ‘Associated with an increased incidence of depression, social phobias, and increased anxiety ‘More likely to affect males ‘Games are often addictive by design, with elaborative achievement systems. Addiction and Other Concerns (2 of 2) ‘Violence ‘Most games involving combat are intentionally violent. ‘Concern over personality traits of certain types of players ‘Misogyny ‘Games such as Grand Theft Auto 5 ‘May be due to the male insularity of the game development industry Regulating Gaming ‘Death Race (1976) ‘First public outcry over violence in electronic gaming ‘Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ‘Labels games based on sexual and violent content ‘Categories: EC, E, E 10+, T, M 17+, and AO The Future of Gaming and Interactive Environments ‘Gaming technology will become more immersive and portable. ‘Gamification ‘Embedding of interactive game experiences to bring competition and rewards to workforce training, classrooms, social causes, and everyday business processes The Ownership and Organization of Digital Gaming ‘Console makers ‘Major players are Nintendo (Wii), Sony (PlayStation), and Microsoft (Xbox). ‘Game publishers ‘Console makers (in some cases) ‘More often independent companies ‘Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts ‘New major publishers King and Rovio The Structure of Digital Game Publishing ‘Development ‘Designing, coding, scoring, and testing a game ‘Licensing ‘Royalties to console manufacturers ‘Intellectual properties ‘Marketing ‘Often exceeds development costs Figure 3.2: Where the Money Goes on a $60 Video Game Selling Digital Games (1 of 2) ‘Pay models ‘Boxed game/retail model ‘Subscription model ‘Free-to-play (freemium) ‘Video game stores ‘Department stores ‘GameStop Selling Digital Games (2 of 2) ‘Digital distribution ‘Each major console has its own digital store. ‘Digital download sites ‘Steam ‘GameStop ‘Origin ‘GameFly ‘Mobile devices ‘Apple’s App Store and Google Play Alternative Voices ‘Mobile gaming has provided an entry point for independent game developers. ‘Cost of entry has decreased substantially. ‘Time and money are still needed. ‘Kickstarter ‘Gameifesto Digital Gaming, Free Speech, and Democracy ‘ESRB ratings do not have the force of law. ‘California tried to legally prohibit the sale of M-rated games to minors. ‘Supreme Court granted electronic games First Amendment free speech protections. ‘Will not make the rating system go away

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.