Global Games
Lecture
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To Read
Chapters 1-2 in Global Games: Production, Circulation and Policy in the Networked Era by Aphra Kerr
Chapter 1 introduces the concept of the globalization of the video game industry, highlighting how video games have evolved from niche, localized products to a global cultural phenomenon. Kerr discusses the key players in the industry, including multinational corporations, independent developers, and regional markets, exploring how economic, cultural, and technological factors contribute to the global distribution and consumption of video games. The chapter also touches on the role of transnational networks and digital platforms in facilitating the global circulation of games, emphasizing the importance of understanding games as both cultural and economic products in the networked era.
In Chapter 2, Kerr delves into the complex networks involved in the production of video games. She outlines the various stages of game development, from concept to distribution, and the different actors involved, such as publishers, developers, and platform providers. The chapter also explores the power dynamics within these networks, particularly how major companies exert influence over smaller studios and independent developers. Kerr highlights the challenges faced by game developers in different regions, including issues related to intellectual property, labor conditions, and access to global markets. The chapter concludes by discussing the impact of digital technologies on game production, including the rise of digital distribution platforms and the increasing importance of data analytics in game development.
Keywords
- Globalization: The process by which video games have become a global industry, with games being produced, distributed, and consumed across national borders. This concept encompasses the economic, cultural, and technological factors that drive the global circulation of games.
- Production Networks: The complex web of relationships and processes involved in the creation and distribution of video games. This includes the roles of developers, publishers, and platform providers, as well as the power dynamics and challenges within these networks.
- Digital Distribution: The delivery of video games through digital platforms, bypassing traditional physical distribution channels. Digital distribution has transformed the video game industry by enabling global access to games and altering the economics of game production and sales.
To Watch
To Write
- How does the globalization of the video game industry impact the cultural content of games? Are there specific examples where global market demands have influenced the themes, narratives, or aesthetics of video games?
- Consider how the need to appeal to a global audience affects the creative decisions made in game development. Reflect on whether this leads to a homogenization of game content or allows for greater cultural diversity.
- What are the power dynamics within the global production networks of the video game industry, and how do they affect smaller studios and independent developers?
- Think about the challenges that smaller studios face in a global market dominated by large corporations. How do these power dynamics influence the types of games that get produced and the opportunities available to different developers?
- In what ways has digital distribution changed the landscape of the video game industry, particularly in terms of access to global markets and the economics of game production?
- Explore the advantages and disadvantages of digital distribution for both developers and consumers. Consider how digital platforms have democratized access to global markets and what new challenges they have introduced.