History of Videogames

1) The first videogames were designed for rapid codebreaking, based on post-war mainframes. They were fairly straight-forward and consisted of relatively simple gameplay.

2) Over time, videogames have changed immensely. This includes high-quality graphics, advanced narratives, diverse representation, a vast range of genres, different consoles used to access these games and the many ways in which they are played.

3) Most successful videogames offer a captivating and exhilarating experience; from the gameplay to the narrative as well as the genre. A lot of these videogames also include a main protagonist, such as Mario or Link. This provides an array of audience pleasures, such as personal relationships (caring about the game characters), diversion/entertainment (being drawn away from real life). As well as this, the complex gameplay is something which may also appeal to audiences as it requires them to properly think and use their mind to progress in the game.

4) It is argued that videogames desensitise players to violence, reward players for simulating violence, and teach children that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts. Many believe that playing violent video games causes more aggression, bullying, and fighting - as well as quickly becoming a form of addiction.

5) At the time of which the article was published, there were more than 200 million players worldwide on Fortnite. It has now amassed over 500 million players in more recent times.

6) Fortnite is popular due to its gameplay which may be different and not have been seen previously. This includes 100 players partaking in a mass online brawl, using weapons and resources to survive until only one winner triumphs. Audience pleasures may include diversion/entertainment, due to the captivating and daunting experience of trying to become the last one standing, personal identity as much of the audience may have been pre-existing fans of fighting games and surveillance, as it may teach audiences survival skills.

7) People could perhaps criticise Fornite due to the obsession of which young children quickly developed with the game. It could instil a strong addiction into the minds of young people and deprive them of more worthy, efficient activities that they could be doing instead. Not only this, it could cause an added increase of violence within children.

8) "I've watched my 14 year old play this. It's like Minecraft meets The Hunger Games with a touch of Laser Quest chucked in. It seems straightforward and enjoyable. They at least learn to be strategic and adaptable from it." I agree with this comment as I believe that though videogames may prove as detrimental towards the wellbeing of children in some instances, it also allows them to develop a tactical way of thinking as well as the ability to use resources to stay alive.

"Games like this are good for developing social and emotional intelligence along with a glut of other valuable skills to develop in to adulthood." I disagree with this comment as I believe that some videogames which include fighting aspects may desensitise children towards violence and deprive them of developing social and emotional intelligence as they are glued to a screen a lot of the time.