OSP & Videogames: An introduction

 1) What were the first videogames like?

The first videogames had very poor graphics, very simple gaming abilities needed, simple design and colour schemes, not a lot of games containing a narrative, not very accessible either.

2) How have videogames changed over time?

Over the years, video games have improved in graphics in game play and narrative. Narratives have become more creative and enjoyable. Video Games have also become more accessible in all different elements of technology and have become a normalised way of entertainment in today's society.

3) What do the most successful games have in common? Answer this in as much detail as you can. Think about audience pleasures - what do people like about playing videogames?

The most successful games attract a wide variety of audience as well as are well thought out with excellent narratives which make sure the player doesn't get bored of as well as creating an enjoyable world which players can escape normal life into. Successful games also give players Visceral pleasure in successfully giving them physical thrill whilist fighting enemies etc. 

4) What criticisms have been made towards videogames?

One criticism that has been made towards videogames is the fact that they can be addiciting and can detach someone from the real world which can effect their social skills in real life. Another criticism can be that they aren't age appropriate to what many kids are influenced by in today's society. Stereotypical male leads/protagonists and sexualisation of females in videogames is another criticism towards videogames. 

1) At the time of the article, how many Fortnite players were there worldwide? (Bonus question - how many are there now? Try Googling it.)

There were 200m Fortnite players worldwide. 

2) Why is it so popular? What are the audience pleasures of the game?

Fortnite is popular due to it being a survival game that contains weapons for defence, these types of games are incredibly popular in the games industry and can quickly reach a range of audiences who enjoy this game. 

3) Why might some people criticise Fortnite?

Fortnite is like many other RPG games which some may say that it is copied like other games therefore it's not original/already played. 

4) Copy and paste two comments from 'below the line' of the Guardian article - these are comments written by Guardian readers in response to the feature. Select one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and explain why.

"Great well rounded article. I’ve tried it a couple of times but the lack of RPG progression style elements meant I didn’t feel an incentive to keep playing. I can see why other people love it though!"

I agree with this comment as Fortnite is like other RPG games where it's the basic concept of just killing the oppontents. The players don't get anything new out of it, no narrative, no new quests/missions, it's just the same basic concept over and over.