I have chosen Mia Consalvo's "Hot Dates and Fairly-Tale Romances: Studying Sexuality in Video Games" selected from week 11 for tutorial presentation. As the popular attention to games is make broader from only considering violence to thinking about sex. The main theme of this tutorial reading is talk about the sexuality in video games. Consalvo's has used different theoretical approaches to studying sexuality in video games. Consalvo pointed out that it is important to see both representations and game-play in studying sexuality in games. She quoted from game theorists such as Janet Murray and John Banks, "a game is not simply a text to be read, but an experience to be had." Thus, we have to consider the performative level of game play.
Consalvo indicated "while heterosexuality is often the dominant sexuality portrayed in games, this 'representation' or 'performance' can be subverted both through the actions of the player and the structure of the game itself." Consalvo has examined two games in this reading, which are Final Fantasy IX (2000) and The Sims (2000).
In the Final Fantasy IX, the heterosexual nature of the theme was implicit. It is a very traditional "fairy-tale". When taking game-play into account, sexuality in this game might probably allow for homosexual readings. The exact happen is depending entirely upon the game player. It all about somebody else desire what the story should be.
In The Sims, on the other hand, players can test the sexuality of their Sims in the game world. However, if players do not wish to challenge the heterosexual nature, players will likely to take no notice of these potentials. Consalvo has argued that this game in some ways challenges the norms of heterosexuality, and however, in the other ways reinforces them.
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In the past, I am unconscious of the sex and sexuality during the game-play. After the presentation, I became conscious that sex and sexuality have been essential parts of video game. I use Donkey Kong (1981) as example in the presentation. We all know that the joy and pleasure are come from dodging barrels and climb ladders to save the princess. However, we seldom question that the reason why Mario would want to save the princess and the reason why a princess need someone to save her. The norm of heterosexual and the binary opposition between male and female are embedded in the video game.
Also, we have discussed The Sims after presentation. I said that the game world of The Sims seem to reflect the real world. After the discussion with classmates and Verdy, I realize that the game world is not real but fiction.
I agree with you that sex and sexuality have been necessary parts of video game. For examples, In the Final Fantasy IX, the heterosexual nature of the theme was understood. It is an extremely traditional "fairy-tale". On the other, In The Sims, players can test the sexuality of their Sims in the game world. But, if players do not wish to challenge the heterosexual nature, players will probable to take no notice of these potentials. Finally, I too realize that the game world is not real.
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