Video games and Dvds

As we move further and further into the future, digital technology becomes more apparent and sophisticated. New media forms are being developed as we speak. My essay will be dedicated to two forms of new media: video/computer games, and interactive DVDs. I will analyse aspects of both, and discuss what makes them ‘new media’. My next paragraph will be dedicated to the ‘interactive DVD’, followed by ‘video/computer games’. After I have discussed the two media forms in detail, I will have a few paragraphs comparing them by discussing similarities and differences.

The interactivity of the DVD is noticeable as soon as the DVD disc is loaded. Unlike video cassettes we are not presented with several movie trailers and the opening credits. What DVD displays, is an interactive menu. A menu that prompts the user to perform and command. These menus normally contain many sub menus as well. DVD movies most commonly feature the following main options: ‘Play Movie’, ‘Chapter/Scene Selection’, ‘Set-Up’, and ‘Special/Bonus Feature’. All of these options play a large part in this new media. In my next few paragraphs I will explain them in more detail.

The ‘Play Movie’ option is self-explanatory. The ‘Chapter/Scene Selection’ option is also s

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

”#

‘Set-Up’ allows the user to select various subtitles, languages, and audio outputs. DVD is a new level of film consumption where the controls are more convenient and flexible, which in the end, gives the viewer (user) more freedom. Computer/video games are becoming more realistic to simulate ‘real’ life.

A popular aspect of video games on new-generation game consoles (X-Box, PS2) and high compatible personal computers, is the remediation of the cinema experience. This option allows viewers to go deeper into the movie and view many additional scenes.

Computer/video games are a form of new media as they have become one of the main leisure activities for people of many ages. As the user is able to choose when and if they watch them. But instead of ‘watching’ the good guy defeat the bad guys, you are the good guy. The player must become the character in order to succeed. This is similar to Andrew Darley’s description of video game playing. elf-explanatory, but allows for a lot more discussion. This makes the player feel like they really are on the field.

Approximate Word count = 1569
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.