Lab+2

LAB 2
 * Can Video Games be considered another new mass media? What makes Video Games a different medium from conventional movies and music? Why are video games catching on? **

A Video game can be considered another new mass media, as it is a medium that is used to transmit mass communication. Moral and cultural ideas are sent through this medium through the plots of the games being played. The fundamental difference between conventional media (movies and music) and video games is that there can be real-time communication and control in the games, which cannot be done through music or movies. More control is also given to the user of the medium as the gamer has control over what the character does which cannot be done in a movie or through music. For example in the game “Infamous” the gamer decides if they want to be nice or evil when doing missions, and depending on that the game progresses differently. In essence there is individual input and control by the user. Finally video games have started to catch on, as many uses for them have been found. First they can be used as an educational tool for children to learn moral and cultural ideas such as teamwork. Video games have also been used to train people in dangerous jobs and not putting them at risk during training. This is conducted by the US Army to train its soldiers. In conclusion it is quite evident that video games are a new form of mass media, it differs from the rest as it can educate users in a platform in which they can communicate and learn safely.