Key videogame terms
As with other topics in media studies the study if videogames will require you to use some specific terminology. This terminology will help you to describe things more clearly and allow the examiner to see you understanding of the topic. Below are some useful terms and their definitions:
Avatar – The computer game character controlled by the player, the player's representative and representation within the game world.
Game world – The settings and locations within the game.
Genre – The type of videogame being played.
Action – term used to describe either the avatars actions within the game or your actions outside of the game.
Graphics – The term used to describe how a game looks, it may have realistic or cartoon like graphics.
Intertextuality – This is when one text refers to another already existing text.
Representation – Representations are important in videogames, how are the characters represented? How is this relevant to the game?
Valued outcomes – All videogames need some form of valued outcomes in order for people to play them. This may be gaining a high score or a perfect game or even completing a level or mission.
Conflict – This term is used to describe what is happening within the videogame, it is important to understand that conflict can be represented through graphics, sound effects and avatar actions. Competition cannot be represented in this way!
Competition – This term is used to describe the competition between you, the player and the videogame. Competition can also take place between players or in some games you can compete against yourself for new high scores. It cannot be physically represented within a videogame!
posted by barney @ Sunday, September 09, 2007,
