Finlay's A Level Media

1. What is Jenkins's theory that the author is referring to here? How might it apply to how audiences interact with the Minecraft game? The theory being referred to is Jenkins's 'Participatory Culture' in which audiences not only consume content but also create and distribute their own. Because of the possibility for 'mods' in Minecraft it means that audiences regularly create and distribute their own content which generates popularity and therefore success. 2. How is Minecraft different to conventional computer games in terms of narrative and what kind of experience this offers gamers? Minecraft doesn't have a restricted narrative like conventional action/adventure computer games. There are no directions or instructions, they have a lot of freedom. This offers a more personal experience than many other games do.  3. How did YouTube respond to this trend?  In 2015, YouTube launched YouTube Gaming, a website specifically for gaming content such as 

Minecraft diverges from traditional marketing methods due to the fact that it was set up by the small software company ‘Mojang’. The company did not have the commercial backing of a mainstream publisher that many games have, such as ‘Call of Duty’, and so relied primarily on word of mouth between gaming communities online and in person. The company spent no money on advertising. Mojang did use sites such as Penny Arcade web comic to generate interest. Minecraft had a significant level of cultural impact due to its success after using no traditional marketing techniques, such as television adverts and billboards.   The developers of Minecraft originally relied on the unique versatility of gameplay that Minecraft offers. It offers the ability to play on different game modes such as story mode, spectator modes and online games on PC such as ‘Hunger Games’ survival challenges. It also gives users freedom do develop their slightly own versions and rules by allowing modifications of ‘

1. What are the uses and gratifications of Minecraft? Give specific examples of how the game entertains, helps audiences identify with others and educates. Minecraft entertains due to the fact that it is a game by nature. It also has different modes and mini games which mean that different audiences that gain entertainment from each other will likely be able to find entertainment in Minecraft and its many modes. Minecraft has over 60 million users worldwide and so many people are able to identify with others and meet new people over the game. Due to the increase in popularity of Minecraft YouTubers as well it is now easier for fans of the game to find others who enjoy it as much as them. Minecraft can also be used for education because it enable sit users to learn basic building and electronic skills in creative mode. Stephen Reid (founder and teacher at Immersive Minds) goes schools and introduces and promotes Minecraft as a viable educational tool where he gets students to build ro