The document discusses the representation of graphic violence in video games like Call of Duty and its effect on teenage audiences. It explores how the games use visuals and sound to create tension and suspense. It also examines how the games portray stereotypes and how this has been controversial. Additionally, it looks at the large corporations that produce the games and how ideologies are portrayed.

1. MY CRITICAL INVESTIGATION PRESENTATION By Bilaal Mughal

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld9ynbhJ49s&feature=player_embedded

3. Critical Investigation Title How and why does graphic violence within video games such as Call of Duty attract a teenage demographic

4. Linked Production Viral campaign for a new and upcoming game and also a Magazine article promoting the release of that video game

5. MIGRAIN

6. Media Language Blood and Gore Contrast of lighting = Tension + Suspense Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sounds = heavy breathing, gun shots = Suspense http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKBNDDJbTw Diegetic sounds – feel more involved, water dripping, footsteps, mice crawling adds to suspense and tension http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0avfjkdAr0 Realistic representation of how video games are nowadays, provocative language and violence

7. Institutions Activision Infinity Ward Analysis: How the Infinity Ward scandal affects Call of Duty Broke contract between them as Infinity Ward were not paid their royalties and therefore resigned Black Ops violence 'went too far' – Treyarch Treyarch (owned by activision) “It was too much. The throat cutting is nasty, but that was worse.”

8. Genre Action + Shooter – consists of a lot of blood, gore and violence in order to attract their Targeted market. Guns and other weapon utilities to satisfy user requirements Psychological Horror – Influences teenagers to carry out what they see on screen. E.g. Manhunt

9. Representation Violence > portrayed > negative light. Negativity > violence causes for young teenagers to become influenced and adapt to the violence. Games > COD and MOH adapt > violence and make the idea of war a enjoyable experience. Arabs are portrayed negatively within Call of Duty and shown to be antagonists.

10. Cubans “Common stereotypes of masculinity, particularly in World War II cultural media. = DOMINANT REPRESENTATIONS

11. Audience In my opinion around 13 to 25 year olds. However the advertisements make the game seem diversely targeted and suitable for everyone Teenagers at a young age have been encouraged by the graphics to perceive the violence positively, and act upon it. It's targeted specifically for males due to the high content of violence, however females are also known for playing such games. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ouf9RyA33A&feature=player_embedded

12. Ideologies All the institutions are based in the USA, and therefore creates the idea of how Americans portray and represent other stereotypes within video games. It also creates the idea that post 9/11 the amount of violent games have increased, especially in Call of Duty where a lot of negative representations upon Arabs have controversy affected the way we as an audience perceive them. Call of Duty: Black Ops was also released on the 9th of November = 9/11

13. Narrative Traditional narrative of a war game Protagonist “Normal” – White people Antagonist “Abnormal” Arabs, other ethnicities etc.

14. SHEP

15. Social Socially accepted, a lot of moral panics are young teenagers are influenced and encouraged to take aboard the idea of graphic violence for their own enjoyment. The ideologies of the Americans shownwithin the game play also shows the impact it has on society

16. Historical The events of 9/11 have caused for an increase in violent games and also the idea that Arabs are antagonists and therefore misrepresented. Violence is over-represented which adds to the moral panics. However this amount of violence has been developing over time. COD > been known for its use of graphic violence

17. Economical A very big increase in violence games. Games such as Call of Duty are now seen to be a fashion item and a desirable game amongst young teenagers, it's a very debatable game socially amongst teenagers.

18. Political The portrayal of dominant figures such as John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro and Richard Nixon have been represented within the game in a way which has been controversial and debated highly around the world. The narrative roles of violent games usually suggests the same conventions of communism.

19. Issues and Debates Representations & Stereotyping Media effects Post 9/11 and the media Media technology and the digital revolution The effect of globalisation on the media

20. Media Theories Hypodermic theory Cultivation theory Effects theory Reception theory Uses and gratifications theory

21. Points I will use in my essay “If something is repeated often enough it will tend to be believed and remembered” “Stereotypes are thus neither neutral nor fair, presenting the examination of differences within groups” “Media studies of moral panics emphasise the social and legal consequences of widespread public exposure (via the media) to crime, violence, and other societal, ethical or medical ills” “Mass Media have the power to directly effect the attitudes and behaviour of ordinary people”

22. “Psychos will always be psychos; they don't need video games to help them.” “The reproduction of ideology has to be seen within the context of the means of production of media organisations.” “We must get away from the habit of thinking in terms of what the media do to the people and substitute for it the idea of what people do with the media”

23. This fits into the contemporary media landscape because.. The use of violence within modern video games is still debatable on whether this much graphic violence should be accepted and the effects socially. It also underlines the misrepresentations of race gender and ethnicity which at the moment is a factor which is still quite controversial around the world

24. Bibliography Williams, Kevin. Understanding media theory . London: H. Arnold, 2003. Print. Laughey, Dan. Media studies – theories and Approaches . Harpenden, Herts. Kamera books 2009. http://www.gknova6.com/agegate.php http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/214252/analysis-how the-infinity-ward-scandal-affects-call-of-duty/ http://www.gamepolitics.com/category/topics/call-duty-series http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6454298/Call-Of-Duty Modern-Warfare-2-leaked-footage-set-to-ignite-controversy.html http://www.digitalislam.eu/article.do?articleId=1704 http://childrenshospitalblog.org/my-son-wants-call-of-duty-but-how-do-these-video games-impact-teen-boys/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/apr/28/games-controversy