Minecraft essay

A video game is a game played by electronically manipulating images produced by a computer program on a monitor or other display. There are many different types of gamin genres such as: Sports, Horror, FPS, Strategy, puzzle solving etc. In this case, narrowing it down, Minecraft is a construction/strategy and ‘sandbox’ computer game. ‘Sandbox’ is defined as an opened structured game where the player is free to play without specific objectives (an allusion of a child’s sandbox). They are free to explore different environments, choose what tasks they do and have the ability to express themselves creatively in the game. There is no limit. The game was created by Marcus “Notch” Perrson in 2009 he made this game with ‘online Lego’ in his mind. Along with mashing up other games such as Dwarf Fortress and Infiniminer into something entirely its own, and first made the game public by uploading it onto the TIGSource forum (site for independent game players and creators). Perrson started selling the game at first for £8 and the reason why there was such a quick initiative buzz was the fact that the game didn’t have any instructions. The game was left deliberately incomplete. This had made Perrson a celebrity in the web and gaming world and had earned him £45million just from a basic game. Minecraft was then fully developed and published by Mojang who licensed Minecraft’s IP.

 Minecraft started off as an ‘indie’ game but from the success of the small business it was usual that larger companies would want to buy it. In this case Microsoft brought the game from Mojang in 2014 for £1.9 billion which resulted in Minecraft being put across multiple platforms such as the Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Android phones etc. and over 121 million copies have been sold since last February 2017. Due to its large success, spin-off games had also been released too, such as Minecraft: education edition created by Microsoft to be used in education facilities globally and Minecraft: Story Mode which was created by Telltale games. By doing this it opened more market segments and attracted new audiences making it the second best selling game of all time after Tetris.

In Minecraft the players build anything they want from using textured 3D cubes in a virtual world. There are several modes of play within the game with survival and creation being the most popular– two very different concepts. In the survival game you must find your own resources from scratch in order to survive whereas in creation the resources are limitless, you can build, create and wear whatever you want. This is a main reason why Minecraft is so successful. Not just is the game original it allows the creativity to be the main aim of the game, its continuous. Over 55 million people play the game a month and due to this it has created a whole new society thanks to social media. Huge media platforms like YouTube have been used by gamers of Minecraft to upload and share their creations. The videos can be from walkthroughs of various tasks to parodies of popular culture e.g. one Minecraft player created the whole set of game of thrones. And this is how one third of Minecraft’s players learned about the game via video content. This has then lead to game creating merchandise for fans of the game. These are things such as action figures of the popular characters Steve and Alex from the game, collectable trading cards and items of clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats etc. consequently Minecon being made. This is a convention that began in 2011 and takes place every year at different locations such as Les Vegas, Disneyland Paris and London. Gaming events, discussion panels with people such as Perrson who created Minecraft will be held at this certain event. But due to the growth of social media, in 2017, Minecon was taken place via a live-stream rather than a convention floor. This way fans of the game who say could not afford or live too far away to attend the event can now watch it and be apart of it live. Minecraft are constantly ahead of the game and have changed the world of gaming forever.

Radio 1 research

1. Tony Blackburn (1967)
2. Chris Moyles, Sarah Cox, Mark and Lard, Chris Evans 
3. Nicholas Peter Andrew Grimshaw (born 14 August 1984)is an English television and radio presenter. He is best known for having hosted a variety of shows on BBC Radio 1 and has been host of The radio 1 breakfast show since 2012. He is also known for his Channel 4 roles in the one show and The Album Chart Show. In 2015, he was a judge on the twelfth series of The X Factor - Wikipedia. 
4.  5.72 million listeners a week.
5. Ben Cooper 
6. Its work is funded principally by an annual television licence fee which is charged to all British households, companies, and organisations using any type of equipment to receive or record live television broadcasts and iPlayer catch-up.
7. Radio 1 tries to be distinctive by offering contemporary music and speech to reflect the lives and interests of 15 – 29 year-olds (their target audience)
8. One difference between commercial and BBC stations is that the BBC is much stricter when it comes to brand mentions. BBC are only allowed one brand mention during the course of an interview and they preferably need the spokesperson to be strategic, and to naturally incorporate the brand name into the story. Whereas, commercial stations are allowed to say as many brands as they would like but they may be cut down depending on the period of time.

Radio 1 research

Which programmes are most clearly fulfilling their PSB remit?What range of programmes are offered? Which audiences are being targeted? Which one of the 3 principles are most in evidence in which programmes?

Radio 1

The remit of Radio 1 is to entertain and engage a broad range of young listeners with a distinctive mix of contemporary music and speech.claims their fulfilling 100% of their PSB remit, demonstrating they cover all topics: engaging, entertaining and informing their audiences.

Radio 2
 The remit of Radio 2 is to be a distinctive mixed music and speech service, targeted at a broad audience, appealing to all age groups over 35. Therefore this does not inform so it is not completely fulfilling their PSB

Radio 3
The remit of Radio 3 is to offer a mix of music and cultural programming in order to engage and entertain its audience. However it does not inform therefore not fulfilling the PSB

Radio 4

The remit of Radio 4 is to be a mixed speech service, offering in-depth news and current affairs and a wide range of other speech output including drama, readings, comedy, factual and magazine programmes.

Radio 5

The remit of BBC Radio 5 live is to provide live news and sports coverage. This informs but does not entertain and engage audiences.

Radio 6

The remit of BBC 6 Music is to entertain lovers of popular music with a service that celebrates the alternative spirit in popular music from the 1960s to the present day. this engages and entertains certain members.

Radio production and distribution homework

In both the BBC radio 1 breakfast show playlist and the general playlist for the week, the company uses the same technique of having an A, B, C list along with a new music section as well for the tracks they are going to use for that week. Every Tuesday at 7pm producers from radio 1 sit down, discuss and listen to the music they want to rotate on during the week (A-list records get 25 plays a week, B-list 15, and C-list eight to 10). The breakfast show for example, won't have as much time to play all the planned listed songs for the station in that specific period of time therefore, its imperative that the breakfast show are providing the music the listeners want to hear in the morning as this is the most popular time to listen to the radio. Compared to the weekly playlist, this has longer amounts of time so they can involve all listed tracks throughout this time. 

Both playlists are still trying to attract the same under 30 demographics so its important that the songs are chosen to engage and entertain the 'head down' audience. BBC radio 1 do this in multiple ways. One is by once deciding what tracks they are going to keep on from the previous week they look towards new tracks and look at the artist's YouTube views, Soundcloud hits, Shazam ratings, Twitter followers and Facebook likes to help decide which songs will be best to use. they also have a panel of thousands of young people from the age of 12 to 29 in their overall research group, where they pay a research company to test 400 of them every week. they play them the hooks of 25 current songs, most of which they've played over 100 times, and they tell them which they relate to. Along with this if the artist has a gig upcoming its good for researchers to attend to see the type of demographic they are attracting. This way it helps the network attract the demographics targeted at. 

How is the Radio 1 breakfast show produced

What are the different responsibilities of presenters and producers?

When producing a show you need to think ahead what your doing in the next three minutes or three hours, guests and people answering questions on the phone need to be prepped and ready for whats happening and what will be said in order to get the best outcome possible. They are responsible for what audiences want have to be informative, entertaining, engaging with music.

in ahead of the game when inviting guests such as if heyre releasing a new single or film etc.

What preparation that goes into each programme?

Knowing which guests or competitions will be on the next day and they are given a structure/idea of what's happening on the show the next day. Given a sheet with the main topic and 'hot food' for sub parts to participate to the show

What's most challenging and most enjoyable about working on the show?

Getting to meet celebrities

its weird timing - food, sleeping patterns out of sync

it changes so its never set

have to make sure they answer guests the best questions

production team changes, helps presenter feel better to impress

if celebrities don't provide enough information when speaking and just answering questions with 'yes' or 'no'.

 What are the team dynamics like?

• 'weird dysfunctional families'
• guiding each other
• you have to check and watch each other like 'mother and father'.
• must get on and understand each others needs as your in each others space
• team constantly chabges in order to keep up with social trends
• initially treat like job but then eventually get along (depends)
• got to be able to trsut each other when decisions made quickly
• WhatsApp group to share what is entertaining the producers and presenters

How can you break into radio?

When breaking into the radio by doing internships and work for free in local radio stations can help understand how the radio stations work. Going to universities and doing student radio helped pick up skills and meet contacts. it helps to directly approach radio producers and presenters to allow them on the show. have to be resistant and not give up . Must think about everything in this industry such as social media and marketing therefore you must be prepared. Gain lots of experiences and do it as much as you can. When becoming a presenter listening to their favourite presenters and seeing how matural and enjoyable they are to listen to. find out topics that are easy to talk about and you are confident in.

Industry key words

BARB - The Broadcasters' Audience Research Board is the organisation that compiles audience measurement and television ratings in the United Kingdom. BARB is owned by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, SkyB and the IPA and collects information from BARB panel members such as what they do for media consumption and provide this info to broadcasters and advertising companies.

WEBCASTING LICENSE - If you operate a service that streams sound recordings online, then you will need a Webcasting License. Webcasting involves two exclusive rights of copyright owners: the reproduction of the sound recording for the purpose of creating the webcast program and the communication of those sound recordings over the internet.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE – is when new technologies are created that take over from past technologies and perform the same tasks but in an advanced manner. For example people used to listen to music via radio now due to technological convergence people listen to music typically through their phones.

WEB 3.0 OR SEMANTIC WEB - The Semantic Web is an extension of the Web where data is given explicit meaning. This allows the data to be integrated, processed, shared, and filtered with much greater ease than before.

INTERNET OF THINGS - Is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data.

BINGE-VIEWING - Binge-watching or marathon-viewing, is the practice of watching television for a long time span, usually a single television show. For example watching six episodes from a series on Netflix typically without stopping.

DAB – otherwise known as digital audio broadcasting is audio broadcasting in which analog audio is converted into a digital signal and transmitted on an assigned channel. For example the breakfast show on BBC radio 1.

TRADITIONAL MEDIA – is any form of mass communication before digital media was introduced. These were things such like television, radio, newspapers, books, magazines etc.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS- Google Analytics is a freemium web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google launched the service in November 2005 after acquiring Urchin. Google Analytics is now the most widely used web analytics service on the Internet.

RAJAR - Radio Joint Audience Research and is the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK. It is jointly owned by the BBC and the Radio Centre on behalf of the commercial sector.

NRS - The National Readership Survey is a joint venture company in the UK between the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, the Newspaper Publishers Association and the Periodical Publishers Association.

MIDAS - Midas Media is a specialist PPC Advertising Agency. Key media partners you would find on Google, Bing etc

CULTURAL IMPERIALISM - Comprises the cultural aspects of imperialism, Imperialism refers to the unequal relationships between civilizations; favoring the more powerful civilization, e.g the western world. Said that non-Western cultures, particularly from the Third World, will lose their traditional values and lose their cultural identities when they are solely exposed to Western media.

DEMOCRATISATION OF THE MASS MEDIA - A media democracy focuses on using information technologies to empower individual people and promote democratic ideals through the spread of information. Specifically used through the 'Big Six' as they use their hierarchy to promote ideas through radio, TV, billboards.

EFFECTS OF PIRACY - The losses suffered as a result of software piracy affect the profitability of the software industry. Also, software publishers, developers and vendors are take actions to protect their revenue, using pirated software is also risky for users. Commonly occurs for films being published on illegal websites were users can watch the latest films for free resulting in companies losing out on profit.

HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION - The process of a company increasing production of goods/ services at the same part of the supply chain. When Disney were looking to to grow its market share, strengthen its product line, reduce its competition and access new markets therefore Disney acquired Pixar Studios.

VERTICAL INTEGRATION - The combination in one firm of two or more stages of production normally operated by separate firms. Apple buys Star Wars mothon-capture company Faceshift

DIVERSIFICATION -The process of a company enlarging or varying its range of products or field of operation.Companies can produce a new film with the new film being the core product but in addition to this the company can produce merchandise etc to go along side tomato extra revenue.

ALTERNATIVE MEDIA AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA -Alternative media are media that differ from established types of media in terms of their content, production, or distribution, they take many forms including print, audio, video, Internet etc. Independent media refers to any form of media such as radio, television, newspapers or the Internet, that is free of influence by government or corporate interests. An independent form of media would include Buzzfeed and an alternative form of media would be the publication of controversial stories in newspapers.

CONGLOMERATE - A company that owns numerous companies involved in mass media enterprises, such as television, radio, publishing, motion pictures, theme parks, or the Internet. Includes 20th Century Fox, Disney, Time Warner etc

GRA - W.R. Grace and Company is an American chemical conglomerate, Grace is divided into three business segments; Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies, and Grace Construction Products. Uses diversification to branch in all areas.

PEGI - Stands for Pan European Game Information. It is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions on buying computer games. For example, PEGI officially rates Call of Duty suitable for people who are 18 or over.

MEDIA WATCH UK - Mediawatch-UK. Formerly known as the national Viewers’ and listeners’ association, is a pressure group in the UK. They campaign against the publication and broadcast of media content that is harmful and offensive.For example, Mediawatch-UK has responded to Home office consultation on the regulation of R18 videos.

IPSO - IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisations) issues new information for the public on court reporting; reporting of deaths and inquests and how journalists can use information in media. For example, all magazines and newspapers will be reviewed if an issue arises that journalists or editors have not met the code of practice.

WATERSHED - In broadcasting, the watershed or safe harbour is one or more dayparts during which it is appropriate to broadcast programming aimed towards mature or adult audiences. For example, Durex adverts will only be televised after a certain time in the evening.

OFCOM - Ofcom is the communications regulator in the UK. They regulate the TV, radio, mobiles and postal services. They stop scams and sharp practices from occurring. Ofcom works closely with stakeholders, politicians and media companies. 

BBC CHARTER - The royal charter is the constitutional basis for the BBC. It sets out the public purposes of the BBC, guarantees its dependence and outlines the duties of the trust and the executive board.

SYNERGY - Synergy is the term used to describe a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome. For example, a film will not only exploit itself but also exploit the soundtrack and a linked videogame.

PSB - PSB stands for Public service broadcasting. It Is used for public benefit rather than to serve purely commercial interests. For example, all of BBC’s television and radio stations have a public service remit, including those that broadcast digitally.

 BROADCAST CODE - The Ofcom broadcasting code is the UK code of broadcast advertising which applies to all advertisements and programme sponsorship credits on radio and television services licenced by Ofcom. For example, teleshopping, self-promotional television channels and interactive tv ads also must keep to the code.

IWF - The internet watch foundation is a registered charity based I Cambridgeshire. It states to ‘minimise the availability of potential criminal internet content’. For example, internet content, specifically images of child sexual abuse is strictly patrolled.