Ok, so I think that the article “Computer Game Criticism: A Method for Computer Game Analysis” is far far far too in depth. Judging from the first class we had when we had to get into groups of what we liked most, the video game group was “lacking” some people.
I think that computer games are way to complex and hard to understand. That is probably the main reason that I do not play video games. For example, in the article it talks about all the different layers that you need to go through to really understand computer games better. Wow, this is not something that in my opinion, consumers really care about. I think that people want to play the game, understand it right away, and have some fun. How frustrating is it to buy some new form of technology and have to spend 3 hard-core, in depth hours reading the manual to try and understand the god dam thing. Kinda takes all the fun out of it. That is why I like Guitar Hero. You press the color buttons on the guitar when they show up on the screen… not hard.
The article starts out with Layer 1: The Hardware. This layer consists of wires, hardware, components, signals etc… Wow, I am already confused and uninterested. I don’t get why there need to be so many layers. Then there is Layer 2: Program Code. This layer is all about the code…. Ok now by this point I am so lost I don’t care anymore. Layer 2 is also frustrating when you are setting up a new game because there are always those friggen codes that you need to put in to even start the game. I always hate that part of new things… just give me the game set-up! hahaha I don’t want to feel like I am in school and have to read the instructions for 3 hours like I am studying for a test.
This is my point, I think that people really need to simplify things. Computer games are like when a doctor talks to you in their “language”. I think everything should be done is simple terms… let’s make life a little bit easier.
Now throughout the article it goes on to all the different layers there are to the computer game. When I got to Layer 5: Meaning, I was kinda scared. It is easy to just read something and not understand it, or do something and not really grasp it, so this section was rather intimidating for me. It talked about semantics which is the studying of sings and the meanings that they have. I guess with all the codes and wires etc… that are required for a game it makes these “semantics” easier, but in society I think that certain signs and the meanings they hold are very subjective and depend on the person.
All in all, I still think computer games and video games are too in depth and take to much effort to really understand them in order to get the “full experience”! I am just too lazy, I would rather just turn on the TV and watch a show and not have to think… AWESOME!
I took a different perspective while reading this weeks article. I did not get the impression that video games were too complex, but rather, that breaking them down into components serves little purpose, for me at least, when I just look to have while playing a game. When I am playing, as I am sure resonates true with others as well, I don’t worry about levels or anything of that sort. Honestly, how many people have you ever heard talking about those different aspects of the game were cool?? Usually, when you ask a friend they will saying something line, “The graphics are cool,” or, “This is so much fun, I’m addicted.” You know? Things like that. The whole thing about levels is ridiculous.
I just wanted to say that I didnt undertand that artical at all having not played a video game since super mario brothers…. but you did a great job of breaking it down…to bad you didnt write teh article so I could have handled reading the whole thing..
CHeers
I think they make some video games so complex and difficult to learn to get the full experience of the virtual world. Its like when you read a book, when the author really develops the characters and the story the more you are able to get into it. Ya but the level stuff, bunch of bull.
hahaha thanks for responding Katew! Besides guitar hero that is about the only other video game I know how to play and the only reason I do understand that game is because I have and older and a younger brother who both played. I read the article and I still don’t feel like I understand it. I actually feel like I am reading something that is written in a different language… weird!
I think too many emerging technologies are getting too complex to understand. I feel like there should be a gaming degree or something to understand all the gibberish that is said (an awful attempt at explanations on the pamphlets they come with!)
haha oh well , I guess we will have to stick to super mario brothers!