The Blumer and Katz theory suggests that people use media for gratifications. This can be seen in the Lego movie video game, which has been adapted by the Lego movie itself. The Lego movie video game includes many challenges and obstacles for the player to overcome, and therefore is very entertaining and appealing to young people. Elements of escapism, entertainment and diversion have been placed into this video game to make it more thrilling and to give the player a sense of adventure when fulfilling their tasks. An example of this is demonstrated when the player has to run away from lord business and fight off his businessmen, creating a sense of urgency and thrill. All video games include these elements, as it is entertaining for people because it is unlike their day to day experiences in real life, and gives them the boost and crave for adventure that their minds have been longing for and after watched their favourite characters fulfil.
Another gratification from media is shared values and beliefs. We can identify with certain characters within video games, because they may share our personality traits and views. Players may want a certain set of values to be restored, and look up to these characters for their actions. An example of this in the Lego movie would be the character of Emmet. He is every young persons voice, and he teaches them that although they may be referred to as a 'loser' they can always be a hero. This enables small children to relate with Emmet and form a relationship with him as a character. This was adapted into the video game, and was a huge reason for its success. In the video game the player mainly plays the role of emmet because this is the character they look up to.
Mark 10/10 Excellent understanding and exam technique!
ReplyDeleteBlumler and Katz argued that there are many uses and gratifications that audiences gain from the media and these make the media successful. Personal identity, social integration and integration, entertainment, and surveillance are four types of uses and gratifications.
Video games offer entertainment: The Lego Movie Game, like most games, allows the player to enter a fictional world that means they can escape from their everyday life. It allows players to re-experience entertaining aspects of the original film, such as its humour and silliness. As players work their way up the levels they can feel the satisfaction of becoming an expert player.
Video games offer social interaction/integration: many multiplayer games enable a worldwide community of players
to come together in the game and communicate with each other; many gamers use online forums to discuss games with fellow fans. The Lego Movie Game is not a multiplayer game, but it does offer a set of characters that the audience already knows that they can interact with – this can give them a sense of belonging as if they are a member of a real community. Video games also allow people to escape from the people that they live with, if necessary, which may make it easier for them to live together. The more entertaining a game is, the better it can serve this purpose.