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Globalization is a broad term, simplified
it can be understood as “theorizing about global interconnectedness” (Eriksen, T 2007). So where do video
games become involved? A
computer game is a “form of participatory media culture” (Raessens, J) in which the use of multimediality, virtuality and
interactivity join together. Multimediality is the amalgamation of images both
moving and stationary, sound features and written scripts. Virtuality is the computer-generated
world in which the gamer becomes encompassed. Finally, Interactivity refers to
the gamer’s ability to navigate the games story and its ending.
Video Games can be comprehensively
associated to Globalization. This can be witnessed through console
distribution, for example the Sony PlayStation originated in Japan and is now disseminated
around the world (the very same for Nintendo consoles). Online gaming can also
be linked with Globalization theories as it connects people from different
parts of the world into the single realm. Gaming has saturated the globe and
with it storyline tropes that offer damaging representation of woman characters
and their identities.
The damsel in distress trope has been
reproduced throughout history as “developers have consistently chosen to place female characters
such as Princess Peach and Zelda into passive, almost always unplayable roles”
(Carpenter, N 2013).
The damsel in distress trope refers typically to a female
character in a perilous situation that must be rescued by the male protagonist.
In the gaming realm this can be seen as disempowering woman as they are
represented as trophy presented at the completion of the game. Because of this,
it can be argued that developers “demonstrate how they continue to perpetuate
negative gender stereotypes” (Carpenter,
N 2013).
However, in opposition to this
representation there are two video games that immediately spring to mind; Tomb
Raider & Mass Effect. Both games offer female protagonists that break free
from the typical gender roles of society. Lara Croft from Tomb Raider (despite
having over developed female features) can be seen as an empowering
representation of woman. Jane Shepard of Mass Effect is the embodiment of
masculinity as she fights to save the galaxy. What do you think, has gaming
perpetuated negative gender stereotypes?
Carpenter,
N 2013, 'Tropes vs. Women in Video Games [Online Video Series]. Part I: Damsel
in Distress (2013)', Women & Language, 36, 1, pp. 97-99, Humanities Source,
EBSCOhost, viewed 5 September 2013.
Eriksen,
T 2007, Globalization: The Key Concepts, Oxford: Berg, eBook Academic
Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost, viewed 5 September 2013.
Raessens, J “Computer Games As
participatory media Culture”, retrieved Thursday 5th September 2013.
URL: <http://www.hum.uu.nl/medewerkers/j.raessens/Publicaties/raessens_c24.pdf>
Hey David,
ReplyDeleteWhat I really like about your post how straight forward and easy to read it is. Immediately you expressed how video games are associated with globalization and defined participatory media culture. I really commend you on your definitions, it’s great for readers who perhaps aren’t in the ALC215 course or aren’t familiar with this terminology.
I agree that there are definitely exceptions to the damsel in distress troupe, those who empower woman and alleviate woman of these gamer stereotypes. Another example I could think of would be Jill Valentine in the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise.
Look forward to reading more
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteThis piece was extremely enjoyable and easy to read. Great use of definitions to clarify and further discuss the association of globalization and video games. Your use of multiple readings allowed you to give a comprehensive view on this topic. I enjoyed your discussion of the damsel in distress trope and the incorporation of the YouTube video reinforced the disempowerment of women and how games still incorporate negative gender stereotypes. Furthermore, I enjoyed how you gave examples of video games that break free from the typical roles of females in games. Overall, this was well written. Keep up the good work!
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteThis blog post was very well written and it was really good to see you followed the structure. You included a concept, definition, examples and then explained how video games follow a narrative based around a 'damsel in distress'. The definition of globalisation at the start was great to see and how it related to the reading.
The youtube video further enforced your viewpoint showing several other stories that follow the same stereotypical narrative. All your references made your opinions scholarly but did not divert away from the flow of the post. Overall this was a really good piece and the only thing that could be improved is including several links, which is required. Apart from that I really enjoyed reading this post and the examples that were attached.