How is media language used to appeal to audiences in video games? Explore the two
video games you have studied in your answer? [30]
INTRODUCTION:
The video game industry strongly relies on media language to appeal to audiences. The
media language of the two video games, ‘Grand Theft Auto’ (‘GTA’) and ‘Tomb Raider’ (‘TR’)
will be explored in this analysis.
POINT 1. ‘GTA V’ (2013) Poster appeals to male audiences
The various iconographies depicted in ‘GTA V’s official poster can appeal to a predominantly
male audience, for instance, vehicles such as helicopters, motorbikes and cars and weapons
such as rifle and pistols. These are stereotyped to be associated with masculine interests in
popular culture and media. Stuart Halls states that ‘producing meaning depends on the
practice of interpretation, and interpretation is sustained by us actively using the code’. He
suggests that meaning is not inherent in the symbol itself but emerges through the process
of interpretation by individuals, and as this is sustained by society for a long time, boys will
typically lean towards these iconographies of vehicles and gun to be seen as masculine.
This is further reinforced by the male characters who are seen driving the vehicles and using
the weapons. ‘GTA V’ therefore successfully attracts male audiences with iconographies and
media representations.
POINT 2. ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007) Poster appeals to old audiences
Similarly, ‘TR’ also appeals to audiences through its use of iconographies in the poster
advertising the ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007)’ game. The iconographies of the golden
wheel, containing an array of unusual symbolic figures, connotes a historic element attached
to this game. This communicates to audiences that this is an adventure game wherein the
player will be seeking historically significant objects. This would appeal to audiences who are
interested in the adventure genre. Furthermore, the use of symbolic figures on the wheel
adds depth and complexity to the game's story, implying to audiences that this game will be
more engaging and immersive. Additionally, the image of Lara Croft herself would have been
enough to attract audiences, given that she is regarded as the symbol of the game. She
would appeal to audiences who have previously played older versions of ‘TR’ and are
enthused by her character.
POINT 3. ‘GTA V’ (2013) Prologue appeals to action fans
The media languages used in the prologue of ‘GTA V’ would particularly appeal to audiences
who enjoy the action genre. For instance, an over-the-shoulder shot is used throughout
gameplay, and this demonstrates the shooting abilities of the character each time a gun is
used. This would engage audiences who enjoy intense, fast-paced action and want to be
immersed in the experience. Media theorist Steve Neale has once stated that, ‘genres
function to signify meanings in the present about either the past or the present itself’, and
‘GTA’ shows this by using media language that are conventional of the action genre. In the
prologue are diegetic sound of explosions and police sirens, making the player feel as
though they are a part of the action. ‘GTA’ also uses a dramatic score in the background,
featuring high-energy drumbeats and fast-paced guitar riffs. This helps to create a
heightened sense of danger and chaos, appealing to action fans.
POINT 4. ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007) Prologue appeals to adventure fans
‘TR’, in a similar manner, also uses media language that are conventional of its genre –
adventure. In ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’, players are guided by instructions on how to jump,
climb and hold onto various surfaces. This is a fundamental aspect of the adventure genre,
where players are required to navigate through challenging environments, often involving
obstacles and puzzles to solve. Having played through the instructions, adventure game
players will be more interested in the game. ‘TR’ also caters to these audiences through its
use of environment design, which provides players with a rich environment of the significant
video games you have studied in your answer? [30]
INTRODUCTION:
The video game industry strongly relies on media language to appeal to audiences. The
media language of the two video games, ‘Grand Theft Auto’ (‘GTA’) and ‘Tomb Raider’ (‘TR’)
will be explored in this analysis.
POINT 1. ‘GTA V’ (2013) Poster appeals to male audiences
The various iconographies depicted in ‘GTA V’s official poster can appeal to a predominantly
male audience, for instance, vehicles such as helicopters, motorbikes and cars and weapons
such as rifle and pistols. These are stereotyped to be associated with masculine interests in
popular culture and media. Stuart Halls states that ‘producing meaning depends on the
practice of interpretation, and interpretation is sustained by us actively using the code’. He
suggests that meaning is not inherent in the symbol itself but emerges through the process
of interpretation by individuals, and as this is sustained by society for a long time, boys will
typically lean towards these iconographies of vehicles and gun to be seen as masculine.
This is further reinforced by the male characters who are seen driving the vehicles and using
the weapons. ‘GTA V’ therefore successfully attracts male audiences with iconographies and
media representations.
POINT 2. ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007) Poster appeals to old audiences
Similarly, ‘TR’ also appeals to audiences through its use of iconographies in the poster
advertising the ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007)’ game. The iconographies of the golden
wheel, containing an array of unusual symbolic figures, connotes a historic element attached
to this game. This communicates to audiences that this is an adventure game wherein the
player will be seeking historically significant objects. This would appeal to audiences who are
interested in the adventure genre. Furthermore, the use of symbolic figures on the wheel
adds depth and complexity to the game's story, implying to audiences that this game will be
more engaging and immersive. Additionally, the image of Lara Croft herself would have been
enough to attract audiences, given that she is regarded as the symbol of the game. She
would appeal to audiences who have previously played older versions of ‘TR’ and are
enthused by her character.
POINT 3. ‘GTA V’ (2013) Prologue appeals to action fans
The media languages used in the prologue of ‘GTA V’ would particularly appeal to audiences
who enjoy the action genre. For instance, an over-the-shoulder shot is used throughout
gameplay, and this demonstrates the shooting abilities of the character each time a gun is
used. This would engage audiences who enjoy intense, fast-paced action and want to be
immersed in the experience. Media theorist Steve Neale has once stated that, ‘genres
function to signify meanings in the present about either the past or the present itself’, and
‘GTA’ shows this by using media language that are conventional of the action genre. In the
prologue are diegetic sound of explosions and police sirens, making the player feel as
though they are a part of the action. ‘GTA’ also uses a dramatic score in the background,
featuring high-energy drumbeats and fast-paced guitar riffs. This helps to create a
heightened sense of danger and chaos, appealing to action fans.
POINT 4. ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007) Prologue appeals to adventure fans
‘TR’, in a similar manner, also uses media language that are conventional of its genre –
adventure. In ‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’, players are guided by instructions on how to jump,
climb and hold onto various surfaces. This is a fundamental aspect of the adventure genre,
where players are required to navigate through challenging environments, often involving
obstacles and puzzles to solve. Having played through the instructions, adventure game
players will be more interested in the game. ‘TR’ also caters to these audiences through its
use of environment design, which provides players with a rich environment of the significant
