Gamer Sites and Gamer Self-Identity

Lab Exercise 16: Gamer Sites and Gamer Self-Identity

The purpose of this lab exercise is to select one gamer site that we do not ordinarily visit where gamers self identify as a culture or subculture. We are to identify two discussion threads on the site where questions of personal identity and gaming are explicit. It was interesting to explore the different gamer sites. I have never visited gamer sites so this was a new experience. There were many interesting discussions that took place on these sites.

Final Fantasy XIII: New Game, Same Colors?
This particular discussion thread falls under the category of race, race representations, and video games. Racialicious is a blog about the intersections of race and pop culture. This discussion thread is not moderated by a forum moderator. This discussion debates about a question that is provocative: why do Japanese game companies create so many games where the protagonists all look European or white? The writer of this blog asks, why aren't there any Asian characters? The writer finds it fascinating that Japanese companies, again and again, create predominantly white characters. The following are arguments and counter-arguments found on the site.

• Game sites don’t report on things like this because they’re not political. I beg to differ. Many game sites publish stories on workers and developers getting overworked, underpaid, and exploited by corporations. That is absolutely political. And I’m glad that they do – these stories need to be heard. My point is, there are different political stories and discussions happening on game sites all the time – but people still shy away from race issues.

• It’s fantasy, it’s not real. Exactly – fantasy is only limited by our imagination. If we are free to create entire worlds and characters, why do we only create ones that look white?

• My best friend/girlfiend/wife/boyfriend/game designer is Asian and says it’s not racist, so you’re wrong. So by this logic, if I polled my white friends and got them to say it IS racist, I would win? I don’t hide behind my white friends, why should you get to hide behind your Asian ones? Don’t hide behind your friends: argue the points.

• It’s not about race, it’s about money. This ignores the fact that some of these blockbuster Japanese franchises made tons of money in Japan, with Japanese audiences, before they were exported here. And even if it were true, then can we have a discussion on how the exportation of culture, the massive wealth and power of U.S. western media makers, is gendered and racial as well as economic?

Although the author of this blog, has not reached a conclusion, resolution or answer, the topic is still up for debate in which opinions are asked for.

Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game: The Racialization of Labor in World of Warcraft
This discussion board is a blog about race and pop culture. This blog examines the racialization of informational labor in machinima about Chinese player workers in the massively multiplayer online role playing game World of Warcraft. This blog discussion is not moderated by a forum moderator. The author of this discussion board goes on to make the following arguments for the purpose of debate. The main argument is about racism towards the Chinese and Asian population.

• People don’t hold video games accountable for racism; however they do hold them responsible for violence. Gaming has to constantly defend its portrayals of violence, but almost never discusses how it reinforces racism.

• More people play Warcraft now than were on the internet in 1995. There are a significant number of players in China and S. Korea. Digital games are one of the only platforms we had that were transnational from the inception. People who would never think of trying out Japanese media has actually been engaging for a long time without being aware of it through the gaming world.

• Machinima are fan made vids using graphics and scenarios from Warcraft. Some machinima are very critical of Chinese players; likening them to service workers like maids.

Many bloggers on this site did agree with the issue at hand and people who played World of Warcraft stated that they recognized the racial issues. One blogger has similar arguments and stated the following:
"I think it is also important to point out the color pigmentation options and facial features of customizable characters in games like World of Warcraft. In World of Warcraft for example, the pigments for characters are predominantly various shades of a “white” skin tone, while the facial features tend to resemble only those of European descent. So that even if one were to choose a darker skin tone, it would mostly resemble a dark-skinned white person."

Final Thoughts
Both discussion threads were quite similar and had similar arguments about racial issues. Although I am not a gamer myself, I think it is important to acknowledge these issues and not leave them ignored. Issues like these can be very offensive to a huge population of people. It was interesting to see the interaction between gamers and their opinions on the blog.

Video Games

Lab Exercise 15: Video Games

The purpose of this lab exercise was to observe the different features of video games. My teammates were Tim and Taylor. The class met at the video game lab and each of us was to play one game on each of the three gaming platforms: 1 console game, 1 PC game, and 1 mobile game. The following is a short report describing our experiences playing games on the different platforms.

PC Gaming

World of Warcraft
The first PC game that our group analyzed at any length was that of World of Warcraft (WoW). We were all encouraged to examine games that would push us outside of our comfort zones. Because of this Taylor volunteered to attempt to work through the gaming world of WoW. WoW is published by Blizzard Entertainment which is a subsidy of Activision Blizzard Inc. a leading software company in the United States. The game is an online game which requires an active network connection. WoW is what is referred to as a MMORPG, a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. The game is at its core a PC game which works on a client server bases. Basically this means that the game needs to be connected to a server in order to function. Otherwise it won't work. The software installed on the individual PC's is basically thin client software which then registers and connects to the servers operated by Blizzard. The gameplay is fairly complex though at the same time intuitive. Three other titles published by Blizzard are Warcraft, Starcraft II, and Diablo II.

Cave StoryThe second PC game that we looked at is Cave Story. Cave Story is an action adventure game which was developed by Daisuke Amaya as freeware. The game is fairly simple in and of itself. It works on a screen crossing paradigm which most gamers are familiar with as it is the most common form of gameplay incredibly prevalent in the 1980's and 1990's, the heyday of stand alone arcade game machines. The game is freeware and was developed for cross platform portability. The game is available on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS X, Linux Operating Systems, PSP, Xbox, Amiga Operating System, GP2X, and the Wii. The game is freely available and was first released in 2004. It exhibits many of the characteristics of the nostalgic gaming community. Mr. Amaya also developed a game entitled Ikachan which is similar in design and gameplay.

Console Gaming

Wii Sports
I chose to play the Wii Sports game because I had never played it before and because I had heard so many good things about it. At first I didn't even know how to work the game at all but my classmates helped me. It was definitely not hard to learn. Wii is a sports video game developed and produced by Nintendo as a launch title for the Wii Video Game console. Wii Sports is part of the Touch! Generations brand. The Wii Sports game offered different options of what specific game to play. It offered five sports including tennis, golf, bowling, boxing and baseball. Because of time constraints I was only able to play the tennis and bowling games, but it was definitely a fun experience. While watching other classmates play different games on different platforms, it was apparent that the Wii Sports was one of the most technologically advanced video games. I used the Wii remote which was used to perform the action used in real life sports, such as swinging the tennis racket and using the bowling technique. Wii Sports is classified as action/sports. Wii also offers games such as Wii Fit and Wii Dance that are also classified in the action/sports genre.


Mobile Gaming

Fieldrunners
Fieldrunners is a tower defense game which is a sub-genre of the Real Time Strategy gaming sphere. The game was published by Subatomic Studios for the iPhone OS in 2008. We played the game on an iPod Touch. The gameplay was fairly simple, the player places defense fortifications in an attempt to stop enemies from traversing the length of the screen. This continued until the game was complete after 10 levels. Subatomic Studios is a very small company has not yet published any other titles. The company itself is incredibly small and only employs six people.


Spore
This game allows the user to try to survive as a multicellular organism in a tide pool with the opportunity to upgrade its features with the collection of new DNA from other organisms. This game is operated on the iPod Touch by moving the device in the direction that you'd like the character on the screen to go. With other devices, such as mobile phones that lack a touchscreen, the character is moved by pressing keys in ordinal directions of the desired movement. The player advances after their organism eats a certain amount of new DNA from other creatures. I found this game to be really complicated, probably because I never play any sort of video game. I'm also not extremely familiar with the iPod Touch device, so moving the device in order to control the screen was difficult for me to get used to. The graphics of the game were outstanding however, and once I became comfortable with the screen movements the game became more enjoyable. Games like this that are available for mobile music devices or mobile phones can provide entertainment to the user no matter where they are located. The program ran smoothly and efficiently and loaded immediately. Another positive aspect of this game is that it does not require an internet connection in order to run. This really makes the game accessible in any location. Overall, this is an entertaining game that operates well in any location.

Crayon Physics
I also got to experiment and use the Crayon Physics Game on the iPod Touch. Crayon Physics is a crayon game published by Petri Purho and released in 2009. It is classified under the genre of a video puzzle game. The objective of the game was to guide a ball from the start point so that it touches all the stars to reach the next level. Using the touch screen you draw your own path to reach the star (which is the points). The drawing techniques offered was interesting. However, I probably would not play this game again. It was entertaining but it seemed to be meant for a younger age group. It does come with over seventy levels and players can upload custom levels as well. This publisher also offers the games Pocket Physics and Crayon Physics Deluxe which is under the same genre of a video puzzle game.

Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a fun and interesting lab. It was interesting to observe the different technologies used to produce each game and how technology advances over the years produce much better gaming features. I am not a gamer myself but I loved having the opportunity to experience the various video games that I probably would not experienced on my own outside of class. I feel much more knowledgeable of video games and how to play video games. I can now understand how it is such a popular hobby. When I was little, the only games I ever played was SEGA. Now, years later, the video games are so advanced. Technology has definitely come into play and this lab exercise was a great experience. I am glad we got to fit this lab into our syllabus.

Video Teleconferencing

Lab Exercise 14: Video Teleconferencing

The purpose of this lab exercise was to test and evaluate Yahoo, Google, and Skype video chat platforms for usability. We were to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each service and compare the quality of service. I did not have a Yahoo or Google account so I had to create an account for the purpose of this assignment. To use video chat you simply log in as a user and select the messenger option. You can then invite and add people to join your call. This was a fun assignment and allowed everyone in class to interact with each other via voice calling. A microphone and headphones was necessary. We were unable to work with the video teleconferencing, but we were able to work with the voice call capabilities.

Skype
Skype was my favorite service for voice chatting. Skype offered conference calling and allowed you to talk with many people at the same time. I was able to add everyone in class to my contact list and was invited to a conference call in which we could all hear each other and converse with each other. Skype also offered instant messaging and other features such as games. My classmates and I played Bingo on Skype and were able to talk to each other through the conference call. Anyone can call anyone who has a Skype account, you simply press answer, and you will automatically be on the line. With Skype I was able to hear the other line very clearly with no problems at all. This was a very convenient way to conference call other people. Skype offers file sharing as well which is also another advantage to using Skype over the other software.

Google
Google Talk had a disadvantage because it only works between two users. Google Talk does not offer the option of conference calling so this is definitely a weakness to the software. The quality of the voice calls was good but not nearly as good as Skype. Personally, I would not use Google Talk again because I did not like the fact that it does not offer conference calling. I would not recommend this software to businesses or clients.

YahooYahoo Messenger is really similar to Google Talk. Anyone with a username can log on to Yahoo Messenger and begin talking with any of their contacts. Me, Taylor, and Tim were able to voice call each other at the same time. However, the quality of the voice calls was not that good. Google Talk and Skype were better quality than Yahoo. The call was not as clear and had a lot of static. Yahoo can also make and receive calls from landlines.

Final SummaryIn conclusion, Skype is the best software compared to the other two software options. I would definitely use Skype again to do voice calls. I like the advantage it has of being able to also have the option of video conferencing if a web camera is available. Skype seems like a beneficial software for businesses and client interaction. It is a great way of communication, and a very much improved way of technological communication.

Skype VOIP on the Ipod Touch

Lab Exercise 13: Skype VOIP on the Ipod Touch

The purpose of this exercise is to install Skype on the iPod Touch and make observations of the functions of the Skype software on the iPod Touch as well as on the cell phone, desktop PC, and laptop PC. I am new to Skype and have never used it before. For the purpose of this assignment I created an account, and I actually look forward to using the account I created in the future. Many people I know use Skype and it seems as if I am the only one that doesn't use it.

From what I observed, Skype offers various features and is a very convenient method to communicate with people who live in another city or in another country. My group members for this assignment were Tim and Taylor and together we discussed the advantages, disadvantages, and various functions of the software.

I installed Skype on the iPod Touch and my group and I were able to make phone calls but the phone calls were not able to go through since the iPod Touch does not have a microphone or speakers. You cannot use video calling on the iPod Touch. The advantage of using Skype on the desktop PC or laptop PC is that you can use video calling. With video calling you can see the person you are talking to through a web camera. On the desktop PC or laptop PC you can do skype-to skype calls, video calls, skype-to skype conference calls, and instant messaging (just to name a few features). However, not all these features are available through the iPod touch.

You can make Skype calls from any phone. You can set up a Skype To Go number and make calls to mobiles and landlines abroad from any phone. The advantages is that they offer really inexpensive rates to make calls out of country. You can also make calls for free in the U.S; there is also a free trial period you can use. Sending text messages via Skype is also cheaper then sending text messages from a mobile service. You can also have an online number and receive calls from landlines and mobiles with a desktop PC or laptop PC. Skype offers numbers available in over 25 countries. Also, friends in the same country as your number only pay a local rate to call you and you pay nothing to answer the call.

Overall, I would definitely use Skype again but not on the iPod touch. I would definitely use it on my PC laptop or desktop. I don't like the disadvantage that the iPod does not allow for video calling. That was the biggest disadvantage. There are many more features available with a laptop or desktop.

Business Analytics Proposal

Dear Client:
The purpose of this report is to offer you advice in making your decision about what business software you should choose for you new online Flower Shop. I will provide you with a choice of e-commerce platforms and business analytics software. I will recommend business software and also discuss the pros and cons and evaluate the similarities and differences compared to other business software.

OBJECTIVE: VOLUSION E-COMMERCE
This report will focus on the Linux Volusion E-Commerce Solution. Volusion will help your online business succeed by providing the most innovative, user-friendly e-commerce available. It has many features including product management/merchandising, administrative tools, marketing features, design suite, shipping options, payment methods, security protections, world class support, integrations, premium hosting, customer shopping tools, and live software updates. This software offers real time management, unlimited photos per product, full featured Customer Relationship Manager, free customizable ready to use templates, improved language settings, integration with all major shipping companies, multiple administrator log-in and many other features as well.

PRICES
There are a variety of software packages to choose from ranging in price. The options include a Steel, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum package. The Steel package is $24.99 a month and includes 25 products and 1GB data transfer. The Bronze package is $39.99 a month and includes 250 products and 3GB data transfer. The Silver package is $59.99 a month and includes 1000 products and 5GB data transfer. The Gold is the most popular package and is $99.99 a month and includes 5000 products and 15GB data transfer. The Platinum is $159.99 a month and includes unlimited products and 25GB data transfer. The pros is that this software offers a wide range of prices for your convenience and preference but the con is that it charges a $49 setup fee. However, the software packages also include professional templates, customer rewards feature, innovative marketing features, and step-by-step training videos. A major pro of this Linux software is that it is cheaper than other software such as Getelastic, Webtrends, and Clicktale (Just to name a few). These other online software programs were much more expensive so if you decide to go with Linux Volusion you are in for a good deal.

How to Get Started
If you decide to use Volusion Linux the first step you need to do is secure your products. In this case, your products would be flowers so step one is complete. The next thing you would have to do is get your domain. The good thing about Volusion is that it offers domain name registration for $7.99 a year so you can pick the perfect web address for customers to find you. You can also sign up for a free trial if you wish. However, one con to this is that the trial is only 14 days. Other software options do offer longer free trial periods. But with all the features Volusion provides, you shouldn’t need longer than two weeks to realize it is the right choice. Next, you would have to pick your plan. Volusion has an e-commerce plan that will meet your needs for your flower store. Each plan comes with many features to help your online business grow. This is definitely a major pro compared to other software options because this software offers more features than others I have seen. However, the plans are an additional cost of $24.99 a month. Volusion software does have several fees, but in the end the fees will be worth it because you will have an incredible online flower shop with top features only Volusion can offer. After you pick your store plan, you can finish creating your online store by loading your products and picking a template. A great advantage of this software is that they offer unlimited 24/7 in house phone support, along with tons of online training materials. Providing online training materials is a major advantage of choosing Volusion especially if you are new to the online business. Volusion also offers several methods for customer payment which is also a great advantage. You can accept customer payment via PayPal, Google Checkout, or by accepting credit cards directly on your site. Volusion credit card processing offers the ultimate payment solution and provides friendly support.

Services
Another pro of using Volusion is that it provides design, marketing and professional services. This software offers free template, premium templates, and custom design templates. These templates will catch the attention of your customers with an elegant professional look and feel. The templates are also organized and easy to manage which is an advantage compared to other software programs. This software also offers a professional services team to assist you with anything you need for launching your new online store. Volusion also has top-notch marketing services. Marketing services offered are Fast Track, Search Engine Optimization, Optimized Press Releases, and Site Analytics.

Final Thoughts
Overall, this is an excellent online e-commerce software and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It is important to meet the needs of the customer and Volusion will do just that. They may charge more fees than other software, but like anything else it is an investment for the good of your business. The investment into choosing this software will be worth it because the top-notch features and easy to use templates will bring in the customers!

Free Music on the iPod Touch

Lab Exercise 10: Free Music on the iPod Touch

For this assignment I worked with Tim Walker and Crystal Castaneda. We were each provided an iPod Touch by the RCLab and were asked to identify at least three sources for free, legal music available for download to an iPod Touch and at least two sources of free music streaming. The three App sources that provide free music streaming are Pandora, Last.fm, and Caribbean Nitro. We were also asked to find six sites that provided free and legal music that could be downloaded to the iPod. These sites are listed below:

Six Sources for Free Legal Music:

1. Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin: http://music.aol.com/

2. InComposition: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/music/icompositions/

3. Love Album, Angels and Airwaves: http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves/love

4. The Journal, Stacy Bearden: http://www.usa-links.com/thejournal/

5. Water Get No Emeny, Sahr Ngaujah: http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/

6. Finn bikkjen!, Casiokids: http://www.mp3.com/free-music/

One piece of music that is not new and that is in the public domain:
http://www.mp3.com/free-music/
Band: Shout Out Louds
Song: "Walls"

One piece of new music:
http://www.mp3.com/free-music/
Band: Lamb of God
Song "Hour Glass"

A ringtone found on a free and legal website.
Usher, "Throwback"free ringtones:
http://www.mobiletoones.com/downloads/f36684-usher-throwback-free-ringtone.htm

Local TV Consumption

Lab Exercise 6: Local TV Consumption

Television Survey:

Web-Ready Table of Results

The results of our TV survey were rather interesting. As can be seen in our table the majority of people do watch TV, but there are some who do not. I find it interesting to not the ways in which people watch TV. Most ways seem to be broadcast, cable, and Internet. All of them stem from convenience, since broadcast is free, internet gives lots of options, and cable is included in a lot of people's rents. The survey was certainly an educational experience.