The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations blog tasks
Language / Gameplay analysis
Watch The Sims: FreePlay trailer and answer the following questions:
1) What elements of gameplay are shown?
Elements of gameplay shown in the trailer may include character customization, building and decorating homes, social interactions, and completing various life events or tasks. Look for features that highlight player agency and creativity.
2) What audience is the trailer targeting?
The trailer is likely targeting a broad audience, including both casual gamers and fans of the original Sims series. It may appeal to younger players.
3) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer?
Audience pleasures suggested by the trailer could include escapism, creativity in designing characters and homes, social interaction through gameplay.
Now watch this walk-through of the beginning of The Sims FreePlay and answer the following questions:
1) How is the game constructed?
is constructed through a combination of 3D graphics, user interface design, and gameplay mechanics that allow players to control characters and environments.
2) What audience is this game targeting?
This game targets a similar audience as the trailer, focusing on players who enjoy simulation games and those interested in life management experiences.
3) What audience pleasures does the game provide?
creativity, customization, and the ability to create narratives through the lives of the characters.
4) How does the game encourage in-app purchases?
By offering exclusive items, faster progress, or special features that enhance gameplay
Representations
1) How do the expansion pack (DLC) trailers reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies?
by promoting traditional family structures or lifestyles, or they could challenge these by introducing diverse characters and scenarios.
Stereotypes in The Sims FreePlay may include representations of gender roles, social classes, or cultural backgrounds.
3) What media theories can you apply to representations in The Sims FreePlay?
Media theories such as representation theory( Staurt Halls) or feminist theory(Van zoonen) can be applied to analyze how The Sims portrays gender and identity.
Representation reading
Read this Forbes article on gender and racism in The Sims franchise and answer the following questions:
1) How realistic does The Sims intend to be?
1) How realistic does The Sims intend to be?
The Sims intends to be a reflection of real life, but it often simplifies or exaggerates aspects for gameplay purposes.
2) How has The Sims tried to create more realistic representations of ethnicity?
by introducing diverse character options and cultural elements in gameplay.
3) How has The Sims responded to racism and sexism in society?
by addressing these issues in updates, expanding character options, and promoting inclusivity.
allows for gender fluidity and identity exploration through character customization and narratives that reflect a spectrum of identities.
5) How does The Sims reinforce the dominant capitalist ideologies of American culture?
by emphasizing consumerism through in-game purchases and the importance of material possessions
Read this New Normative feature on LGBTQ representation in The Sims franchise (the website link no longer works but that will take you to the text of the article - you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Answer the following questions:
1) How did same-sex relationships unexpectedly help the original Sims game to be a success?
by appealing to a diverse audience and allowing players to explore different relationship dynamics.
2) How is sexuality now represented in The Sims?
through inclusive options for relationships, allowing for same-sex and non-binary characters.
3) Why have fans praised the inclusion of LGBTQ relationships in The Sims franchise?
for promoting representation and acceptance within gaming.
4) Why did the Sims run into regulatory difficulties with American regulator the ESRB? How did EA respond?
due to its inclusion of same-sex relationships, and EA responded by advocating for the inclusion of diverse content.
5) How is sexuality represented in the wider videogames industry today?
with more inclusivity, though challenges and stereotypes still exist.
Reality, postmodernism and The Sims
Read this Paste Magazine feature on reality and The Sims franchise. Answer the following questions:
1) What does the article suggest about the representation of real life in The Sims 4?
suggests that The Sims 4 represents real life through its simulation of everyday activities and experiences, but it also critiques the limitations in how deeply it can capture the complexity of actual human life and relationships.
2) What audience pleasures did the writer previously find in The Sims franchise?
The writer found audience pleasures in The Sims franchise through its escapism, creativity, and the ability to control and manipulate life scenarios that might not be possible in reality.
3) Why the does the writer mention an example of a washer and dryer as additional DLC?
Because is mentioned to highlight how The Sims 4 attempts to add realism to the gameplay.
4) In your opinion, has The Sims made an error in trying to make the franchise too realistic?
In my opinion, yes the Sims may have made an error in trying to make the franchise too realistic, as it’s striking a balance between realism and fun is crucial for maintaining engagement.
5) How does this representation of reality link to Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality - the increasingly blurred line between real and constructed?
It creates an experience where players may begin to perceive the virtual world as a reflection of their own reality rather than a separate, constructed environment.
The Sims FreePlay social media analysis
Analyse The Sims FreePlay Facebook page and Twitter feed and answer the following questions:
1) What is the purpose of The Sims FreePlay social media channels?
to engage with the community, promote new content, gather feedback, and maintain a connection with players to enhance their gaming experience.
2) Choose three posts (from either Twitter or Facebook) and make a note of what they are and how they encourage audience interaction or response.
- A poll asking players to vote on their favorite in-game features.
- A post showcasing player-created content and inviting others to share their creations.
- A teaser for upcoming updates that encourages players to comment on what they hope to
3) Scroll down the Facebook feed briefly. How many requests for new content can you find from players? Why is this such as an important part of the appeal for The Sims FreePlay?
4) What tweets can you find in the Twitter feed that refer to additional content or other revenue
streams for EA? For your analysis of The Sims: FreePlay trailer and gameplay, here are some points to consider:
highlight additional revenue streams for EA, showcasing how they monetise the game while keeping the community informed and engaged.
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