The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations blog tasks
The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations blog tasks Create a new blogpost called 'The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations' and complete the following tasks.
Language / Gameplay analysis
Watch The Sims: FreePlay trailer and answer the following questions:
1) What elements of gameplay are shown?
The trailer highlights house building, character customisation, and life simulation elements like relationships, careers, and daily activities. It emphasises events and seasonal updates, such as Halloween-themed content.
2) What audience is the trailer targeting?
The game primarily targets casual mobile gamers, appealing to those who enjoy simulation games and life customisation experiences.
3) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer?
The trailer suggests creative freedom in designing homes and characters, engaging in social interactions, and participating in seasonal events.
Now watch this walk-through of the beginning of The Sims FreePlay and answer the following questions:
1) How is the game constructed?
The game begins with tutorials guiding players through creating characters, building homes, and performing daily tasks. Time-based mechanics encourage progression and task completion.
2) What audience is this game targeting?
Like the trailer, it targets casual gamers, especially those interested in creative control and life simulation on mobile devices.
3) What audience pleasures does the game provide?
Players enjoy role-playing, personalisation, and goal-setting through tasks, offering both escapism and creativity.
4) How does the game encourage in-app purchases?
The game uses limited resources like currency and time-based tasks, prompting players to spend real money
Representations
Re-watch some of the expansion pack trailers and answer the following questions:
1) How do the expansion pack (DLC) trailers reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies?
Expansion packs often highlight consumerist values by introducing luxury items or exclusive events, reinforcing capitalist ideals.
2) What stereotypes have you identified in The Sims FreePlay?
Stereotypes include gender roles and societal expectations, though some updates strive to broaden diversity.
Stereotypes include gender roles and societal expectations, though some updates strive to broaden diversity.
3) What media theories can you apply to representations in The Sims FreePlay?
Representation can align with Stuart Hall’s theory of encoding/decoding, reflecting how players interpret social roles and norms within the game.
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?
The Sims aims for a stylised realism, balancing authenticity with gameplay accessibility.
2) How has The Sims tried to create more realistic representations of ethnicity?
The franchise has expanded its character customisation to include more diverse skin tones, hairstyles, and cultural outfits.
3) How has The Sims responded to racism and sexism in society?
EA has improved diversity and responded to social critiques with updates that better represent various demographics.
4) What is The Sims perspective on gender fluidity and identity?
The Sims offers flexible character options, supporting non-binary and gender-fluid identities.
5) How does The Sims reinforce the dominant capitalist ideologies of American culture?
The game’s focus on career progression, consumer goods, and material wealth reflects American capitalist value
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?
Unintended inclusion of same-sex interactions became a key success factor for the franchise.
2) How is sexuality now represented in The Sims?
The game now openly supports LGBTQ relationships, reflecting more inclusive societal norms.
3) Why have fans praised the inclusion of LGBTQ relationships in The Sims franchise?
Players value representation, citing inclusivity as vital for reflecting real-world diversity.
4) Why did the Sims run into regulatory difficulties with American regulator the ESRB? How did EA respond?
Early games faced ESRB scrutiny for same-sex content. EA defended inclusivity, emphasizing the game's broad appeal.
5) How is sexuality represented in the wider videogames industry today?
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?
The Sims 4 captures real-life complexities while gamifying them, emphasising consumer culture
2) What audience pleasures did the writer previously find in The Sims franchise?
The writer found satisfaction in creative escapism and storytelling.
3) Why the does the writer mention an example of a washer and dryer as additional DLC?
3) Why the does the writer mention an example of a washer and dryer as additional DLC?
DLC like washer/dryer packs exemplifies monetization of mundane realism.
4) In your opinion, has The Sims made an error in trying to make the franchise too realistic?
Over-realism risks losing the franchise's whimsical charm, alienating some players.
Over-realism risks losing the franchise's whimsical charm, alienating some players.
5) How does this representation of reality link to Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality - the increasingly blurred line between real and constructed?
Baudrillard’s hyperreality fits as the game blurs simulated life with real-life societal norms and values.
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?
Social media promotes updates, engages the community, and markets in-game content and events.
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?
Social media promotes updates, engages the community, and markets in-game content and events.
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.
Posts often encourage player engagement via contests, polls, or event participation, fostering a sense of community.
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?
Numerous player requests for new features indicate high community involvement and investment in game evolution.
4) What tweets can you find in the Twitter feed that refer to additional content or other revenue streams for EA?
Posts frequently advertise new expansions, seasonal content, or promotions for in-app purchases, reinforcing monetisation strategies.
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