In this task, I will produce an analysis of the Action/Adventure genre. This will include the genre's characteristics, the narrative structure and the representation of characters which the games in this genre. Games that contain this genre are as followed, The Legend of Zelda, BioShock Infinite, Red Dead Redemption and much more.
These games all contain similar codes and conventions such as the story being linear but also allows you to adventure around the map with no restraint. Another similarity is that you play as a pre-made character that you control the outcome for. If you die the character dies.
Analyse the genre’s characteristics
The Action/Adventure genre is essentially a story that you are following. You are playing as the main character in that story and your actions throughout the game determine the outcome of the story. For example, you are controlling the character's life, if you lose too much health you will die and the story with revert to your last save. This is also an aspect within BioShock Infinite.
One of the codes and conventions to the Action genre is that they usually contain a combat system of some sort, normally containing guns as the main weapon. In BioShock Infinite, the combat system contains you using guns/special ability's to defeat opponents.
The codes and conventions to the Adventure genre are that when you play games that contain the adventure genre, have a linear story, however, the game doesn't restrict you from entering certain areas in the map. This happens in Red Dead Redemption and BioShock Infinite. The fact that the story is linear should make you feel like you are just following a straight line toward the end, however, because you can go anyway in the game with no restriction makes it a more enjoyable experience
Video of BioShock Infinite Exploration
. Analyse the narrative structures
Action/Adventure usually have the same or similar narrative structures across all the games which allow for them to engage with the codes and conventions included within the genre. The narrative structure of these genres have remained similar over the years.
One of the codes and conventions of these games is the fact that the character you play as usually have some sort of power/special ability that you have to use to help/save people throughout the story. In BioShock Infinite, you have access to special abilities. These are used to defeat enemies and help the another character escape.
The narrative structure of games in the action/adventure genre can really contain whatever you want as the story can be as wild and wacky as you want and it will still fit the genre. Example's of this are with BioShock Infinite, This games narrative structure is very wild. You are, essentially, in a different time paradox which has alternate endings. The Action part of the narrative structure is expressed throughout gameplay. The player can decide to shoot an enemy and that may deviate the outcome of the story. The story of games in the action/adventure genre can really contain whatever you want as the story can be as wild and wacky as you want and it will still fit the genre. Example's of this are with BioShock Infinite, This games narrative structure is very wild. You are, essentially, in a different time paradox which has alternate endings.
Game curators usually create a character that is Male as the protagonist of the game. The developers do this as a way to attract the main par of the audience which is Males. Females in games are not represented too often and if they are they are not the main protagonist. They are more of a sidekick. There are a few games where you can play as a female for the protagonist for example, Tomb Raider.
Racism is a big factor in video games. BioShock Infinite has got quite a bit of racism represented throughout the game. One cutscene near the beginning you are dragged into this raffle at a fair. You select a ball from a basket and you have to make a moral decision whether or not to through the ball at the couple, a white male and a black female, or through it at the announcer. The same outcome happens either way.
BioShock Infinite Racism Cutscene
After generating a bit of research on the audience that plays the genre, Action/Adventure in games I found out a couple of things. These genres are becoming more popular within the gaming community and the main audience that plays it are Males in the 20's to their 30's closely followed by males in the late teens and in their 30's to 40's. Females are having an increase in amount of females playing action/adventure games but still remain the lesser percent in the audience.
The Reception Theory model is when the audience create their own thoughts and feelings on the media (the game) they have consumed. They generate their own opinions on the media and are do not passively accept anything they are just told.
My personal response towards BioShock Infinite was relativity positive as a whole. I consume the media as a form of entertainment and/or a way to escape problems from the real world. I believe I consumed the media in my own way compared to someone else's play-through. BioShock Infinite has been encoded just like any other Action/Adventure game with the same codes and conventions e.g. Far Cry, Shadow of Mordor etc... Irrational Games have made this game to match the audiences expectations as well as creating new aspects to the game. They have done this so that the audience that have play the previous games in this franchise can decoded the information the way the way the audience expect.
The way I have decoded BioShock Infinite as the way Irrational Games (Developer) intended. I tend to enjoy any game that has similar codes and conventions to the action/adventure genre but BioShock Infinite stood out to me more because of the time and the setting the game is placed in. I do like the American Patriotism vibe given off from this game. Another point that I like about this game is that it has unique mechanics compared to other games in this genre, the unique mechanics make it feel like the game is a RPG game however it is not. The reason of this is because you do follow a linear quest but it doesn't feel like you are, it feels like you are choosing the route. I don't think this is something that was encoded intentionally however this is what I have decoded from it.
One part of the game I dislike is that the combat of the game is rather simplified compared to the previous. This is probably to cater to new joiners to the BioShock franchise however, to the fans of this series this is not too great.
Overall, I think I decoded the media the way it was intended however, it is a bit different compared to other gamer's. I like how they have kept true to the codes and conventions of the Action/Adventure genre. I do not think that they needed to simplify the combat as much as they have and they is the only dislike about the game in my opinion, from the way I have decoded the game.
For this task I will produce an article showing the positive and negative effects of the video game BioShock Infinite. I will gather my evidence from the documentary, Are Video Games Really That Bad?
BioShock Infinite has positive and negative effects to playing it. Video Games are usually contained with violence, blood and gore because that is what has become to be expected in video games and BioShock Infinite is no different. Violence can be a good thing within a video game as the player can release whatever anger they may have within the game not in the real world. This is supported by the documentary, Are Video Games Really That Bad? Chris Ferguson, a professor of psychology at Stetson University believes that if video games make you more violent then there should be a rise in violence crime. The latest figure in youth violence in the US has decreased by 83% in the two decades leading up to 2013. This is also a period of time where violent video games where growing in popularity. A negative view on violence in BioShock Infinite or just violent games in general is that the violence within these games desensitises them from real world violence. Professor Brad Bushman at Ohio State University thinks that video games desensitise us from real acts of violence in the world. A study shows that when you get two groups, one group that plays a violent shooter game and the other a simple ball rolling game, then show them clips of real footage of violence, the group that played the violent shooter game where less disturbed by the footage than the second group. Another positive effect for playing BioShock Infinite is that the game is a fast paced shooter which can help you improve your reaction time and reflexes. The combat within this game requires you to always remain focused and not to zone out while playing. Gamer's that play these sorts of games tend to have faster reflexes that can help you in activity's outside of gaming like driving etc... A Doctor who specializes in Keyhole surgery, developed a game which teaches trainee surgeons to perform Keyhole Surgery. the surgeons that used this game to train were the better surgeons in comparison to those who didn't use the game. A very well known negative view towards video games is that they can be a source of addition. Gamer's that play games, BioShock Infinite included, can suffer from an addiction. However, addiction is usually involved with games with the genre of RPG as they normally have no limits, they allow you to do whatever you wish. Professor Mark Griffiths felt that reactions towards video games depend on the rewards offered. Another Doctor, Dr Valerie Voon found out that gamer's who crave immediate rewards are the type of gamer's who tend to get addicted to video games.
Overall, BioShock Infinite does contain both positive and Negative effects but I think the positives weigh out the negatives. Playing BioShock Infinite can decrease violent crime in the world and can improve peoples skills like reaction time and reflexes. The downside to video games are that playing them desensitises gamer's from real violence in the world and it is a leading cause to addiction.
As I am using the Uses & Gratifications Theory, I play BioShock Infinite as a form of Diversion. The parts I find entertaining are the combat and the story in this game. This game's combat is similar to other games I enjoy playing like the Fallout series as it has similar aspects to BioShock Infinite as it is a twist on how the so this is a connection. I can enter into an alternate reality and forget about college work or if/any problems that I may be faced with in my personal life. Without games, I personally, would find it rather difficult to wind down after a day of college.
Onto Personal Relationships. I have made friends over this game as it allows people to have the same interests which lead to strong bonds within people. These people I have made friends, either in person or from the internet from all around the world an example would be that I have a friend from Sweden, would expect a certain type of game which I would/should be playing and if I were to differentiate of this path they may wonder why as it isn't an often occurrence.
I also play this game as a form of Personal Identity. My identity, online, contains me playing certain genres of games, Action/Adventure. I think that me playing these types of games, Action/Adventure, also affect the type of people who may want to interact with me. Over the years of me playing games, I have made a name for myself and have to live up to expectations within the online communities. I also feel like I can express myself easier through the internet rather than reality.
Another reason I play BioShock Infinite is for Surveillance. When I first played this game I played it to gain knowledge of the genres Action/Adventure as well as wanting to know what all the hype around this game was about.
In conclusion, through my analysis BioShock Infinite was created for people who are into Action/Adventure games. The developers do this by denoting the game to the audience then the audience decodes it.
When I was deconstruction the game BioShock Infinite genre, I looked into how the game address the audience. The game is aimed toward gamer's who mostly enjoy Action/Adventure games and is for people aged 18+. People think that a good story and exploration is important to this type of genre.
The games selection of content is a american patriotism style set in the 1920's which has dark and dull colour's. This game is set in the clouds over Colombia. The audience think that the font/text of this game gives it a 1940's look and feel to it and that America seems to be the inspiration for the setting in this game. This is how they have decoded the game.
The games construction of content was to appeal to people who love to play a very story driven game. This is backed up by the interview question 3 when people say they like the story of the game however people seem to want to play it without the story being so linear. Another thing is that the combat is appeal to the audience as you can use both special ability's and weapons to defeat enemies which is what a person said in response to question 3.
The codes and conventions appeal to people who already have played other action/adventure game. They can appreciate them more. For example, people think that the HUD is in the correct place for an action/adventure game compared to others. The audience also thinks that the HUD is very easy to read and decode which is important to knowing what your health is and things like that.
For the modes of address people mostly like the fact that the game is very immersive in the fact that it makes you feel like you are the character you are playing as and that it makes you the puppet master/omniscient Narrator or in other words essentially god for the character you play as in the game.
Question 1 - What do you think needs to go into an Action/Adventure genre game?
1. I think a good solid story is needed to be interesting.
2. A good combat system as well as a good story.
3. The story is a big part but I think exploration is important.
4. Exploration is big part of adventure genre games I think that is most important.
Question 2 - What do you think of the styling in BioShock Infinite?
1. The game reminds me a lot of America patriotism.
2. The Text and font on the HUD looks like its from like the 1940's.
3. The colour's are quite dull and dark compared to other games.
4. America seems to be the inspiration for this game.
Question 3 - In BioShock Infinite, what do you think of the construction of content?
1. Well I like the story in this game however I would prefer it if it wasn't so linear. Maybe a few side quests.
2. I like the combat. You can use both special ability's and guns to defeat enemies.
3. I think the story should be less linear and more about exploring.
4. The story is the best part! Its linear but, it doesn't feel like your just following a line there.
Question 4 - What do you think of the Codes and Conventions to this game?
1. The HUD is rather easy to understand while looking quite fresh and stylish.
2. The game makes it easier on you by making the heath bar flash when its low so yea I like this.
3. The enemies don't go away once they has seen you. I would prefer it if they would go away if you would hide for a short period of time.
4. The HUD is in the right place for an Action/Adventure game. Compared to other games this matches them.
Question 5 - How do you think the Modes of Address, addresses the audience?
1. Well this game makes me feel like I am the character I am playing as, Booker Dewitt.
2. The game makes you god to the main character. You can make decisions that could end up with his death.
3. I feel like I am the character so it is very immersive in that way.
4. The game makes you feel like the main character but also has a female NPC that is there with you all the way.
Overall people love the way that this game is constructed. When I ask about What do you think needs to go into an Action/Adventure genre game? people think that a good story is the most important as well as exploration.
The next question I asked is What do you think of the styling in BioShock Infinite? They responded with that the game has a high American feel with a 1940's look with dark and dull colour's.
For the third question I asked In BioShock Infinite, what do you think of the construction of content? People think that the story is good as it is but would perhaps be better if it wasn't linear. One person said they like the way the story is with the linear style and another person said they Like the combat of the game.
In question 4, I ask people the following, What do you think of the Codes and Conventions to this game? People responded with that they like the way the HUD is situated on the screen for Action/Adventure games and the ease of which they can understand it. One person wishes that the enemies would go away after a short amount of time when they cannot see you.
For the last question I ask I asked, How do you think the Modes of Address, addresses the audience? People like how the game makes you feel like you are the character you are playing as. This makes it more immersive.
Online Reviews,
When BioShock Infinite was released, it managed to get outstanding reviews from all forms of critics. I'm going to start with IGN.
IGN reviews this as 'AMAZING' with a rating of 9.4. They credit the rich and satisfying story, the games luscious art direction, the Myriad combat options and the fact that the NPC, Elizabeth, matters both to the story and the gameplay. The only downside to the game according to IGN, is that it feels a bit padded in the middle, meaning that they just filled the game with stuff to make the game last a little longer.
The next review I will look at is the reviews of parents for BioShock Infinite. On the site, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/bioshock-infinite, parents say that this game should be a 13+ and kids say 14+ for the age rating Both parents and kids rated this game as a 5 out of 5 star game. Here are some responses;
Parents think that BioShock Infinite is a game that is a game to be love/appreciated. They think the PEGI rating should be lowered to an average age of 12+. They believe "the violence is really not that strong." However it's still there. All three reviews rated this game as a 5 out of 5 stars.
They think that the PEGI rating of this game should be set at a unanimous 14+ age rating. They believe that this is "one of the best games I've ever played.". One thing that is mentioned is that the is some parts of the combat that can be quite gory but due to the artistic style of the game it isn't realistic compared to other games. One positive thing is that the story of this game is a masterpiece, 'it's a fresh new story-line.".
BioShock Infinite is an Action/Adventure game that is set in a futuristic version of the year 1912 which gives it a sub-genre of Sci-Fi. It is also a first person shooter. This means you play as the character in first-person, as if you are the character. The fact that this game is in first person also help to make the game a more immersive story/gameplay. This game is addressing adults, you can see this from the dual case and the fact that its a futuristic take on the year 1912. Other games that are like this are the other games in the BioShock franchise, BioShock and BioShock 2.
The story it's self is a more linear story as you just go from point A to point B with the occasional chance to look ammo and cash. Studies show that the genre, Action/Adventure in games have been having an influx of the amount of gamers which are females. This could be because they may find the story aspect more appealing, as perhaps they may have a better understanding of the information being put forward from the story.
As a whole, this games selection of content is what you would expect to see in a linear, Action/Adventure type of game. This grabs the audiences attention if they are into this style of game. There is a sense of exploration as the environment has buildings that have door open for the player to wander in if they choose too. How the mission structure has been set up is so the player can follow the story created and not get to distracted from what is going on. This addresses the older audience as the story is quite unique and maybe hard to understand for the younger audience.
The colour's in this game are quite dim and the style of this game is as if it was in the 1920's. The game has strong american patriotism smell to it. The character on the front, Booker Dewitt, is the character you play as. He is a heavy drinker, gambler and smoker who is in big debt. To wipe away this debt he is told to bring these people the girl and then his debt will be wiped away.
The construction of content in BioShock Infinite are the mechanics of the game. How the game is set out and what the content of the game is. E.g narratives and layout. BioShock Infinite has a linear storyline which the player has to follow to complete the game. This appeals to certain people that are looking for a very story driven game which is solely about the story not about too much exploring like in RPG games. Next is the combat system, this is how you tackle the enemies. In this game you have weapons like guns. You shoot or melee your way through hordes of enemies. You also have vigors, these are special ability's that you can use to eliminate your enemies.
The music in the game is quite calm and relaxing in the game untill you enter into a combat area. Then the music turns into a very intense upbeat music which then reverts back to the calm version once you have defeated all the enemies onscreen.
BioShock's Codes and Conventions are as followed. It is a FPS (First-Person Shooter) and when you play the game, the HUD (Heads Up Display) is helpful as it lets you know how much health you have got, Ammo Count and it has a bar letting you know how much salts you have, this is used to measure how much you can use your special ability's, the Vigor's. This is usually how a HUD is situated in Action/Adventure genre titles. This is similar to the other games in this franchise. This addresses the audience as it simplify's the things that are important to know to be successful in the game E.g health and ammo.
This game doesn't contain a mini-map so you don't exactly know where you are heading. The way of navigation in this game is by pressing down on the UP button D-Pad, this creates a light blue arrow. This guides you onto the active quest if you have gotten lost on the way.
Combat with enemies works by them instantly locking onto you and chasing you, the only way out is either from defeating them all or by dieing. You use weapons such as guns and a melee item called the skyhook.
The modes of address in this game is that the game is in First Person. This means that you are essentially playing as the character. Making decisions and marking your actions as if they were your own. You also play throughout a pre-made story. You cannot change the missions you do. This is know as linear, essentially you are just going to point A to point B until you finish the game.
Also there is a third person narrative as well as you are basically god for the character, Booker Dewitt in this game. You can decided to make him stop and do nothing at all if desired but you wont progress. The point is that you are like a puppet master, omniscient narrator.
