A Study of Video Game Media Elements and Violence Analysis Appearing on Video Game During 2014-2019

Abstract

Abstract

This research titled "A Study of Video Game Media Elements and Violence Analysis Appearing on Video Game During 2014–2019” is a qualitative study aiming to explore video game media elements and investigate violence appearing on video game during 2014 to 2019 both explicitly and inexplicitly. The analysis was divided into two parts; A study of video game media elements and an analysis on violence appearing on video game from six annual best-selling video games from 2014 to 2019. Findings were subsequently analyzed using semiology, concept of video game media elements, concept narrative analysis, and violence theory.

The findings show that in video game media elements, both in playing aspects and displaying aspects, players will become a representation of themselves and a part of the playing world where they will take on a leading role in each game and interpret signs through a semiotic systems to understand game rules. Players are independent in selecting playing methods but needed to follow the given rules with the goal to conquer the game or video game rewards. In addition, values of rewards or results of playing will reflect on the player’s real world. For example, players are content when they win or are angry when they lose the game. Furthermore, violence is indispensable in video game media elements. Violence on video game seeks to develop an engagement between players and the game. Players will need to use violence as a tool to conquer game and rewards in the game. However, game provides opportunities for players to negotiate violence usage in the game whether or not to receive rewards from playing, according to the player’s morals. In the end, the players will select playing methods suitable to themselves and carry results or values from playing to the real world for satisfying personal needs (e.g., being proud of conquering the game), interacting among the player’s network (e.g., developing a player’s group), or forming a video game playing subculture (e.g., global video game competition).