THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY. LONDON. EXT. 08/02/12

PRESENTER

Throughout the years technology has evolved dramatically from simple devices to complex devices that do more than its purpose. For example a phone which was once just a device to make phone calls can now perform a number of functions such as taking pictures, browsing the internet and sending and receiving messages. All these functions pose the question: do we really need all these things for one device? In this series we take a look at how technology has evolved over the years particularly looking at the development of

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computers, video games and mobile phones.

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PRESENTER

These three devices have improved dramatically over theyears and are now completely different to their traditional forms.

Montage of whole series.

Last week we looked at the development of computers over the years. We visited the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College and

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observed how computers have benefited education. We also took a look at how portable forms of computing have become popular and how it benefits society.

Clips of teacher using a whiteboard, someone using an old computer and someone using a laptop.

PRESENTER

In this episode we’ll be looking at how video games have evolved over time.

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We’ll be looking at how the images have gone from pixel images to computer generated images known as CGI’s, how games have become more interactive, representation of gender and the violence within video games. We’ll be interviewing expert sociologists and asking members of the public their opinions on the matter.

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PRESENTER

Over the years the technology of games has changed we have seen a movement away from pixel images in video games such as Mario and Tetris to computer generated images in games such as final fantasy and LA noir. CGI’s make the games look more realistic and the game becomes a more enjoyable experience. This movement towards CGI’s is probably a way of making the player feel more involved with the game by including images that look similar tosociety.

Cutaways of comparisons between traditional games and computer generated games.

PRESENTER

Players who play video games have now become more interactive in a way that was not possible years ago. For example players can now play with others around the world.

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This advert from Italy shows just how big this experience can get.

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In video games violence has become such a norm within them that it has been said to have desensitized players to the violence that is shown.

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Players can steal cars and kill people in different ways without the game showing the real consequences of their actions. In games such as GTA, final fantasy and Call of

duty players can express violence and aggression using various types of weapons.

Clips from games showing violence to match the voiceover

PRESENTER

The representation of gender has also changed over the years women are no longer presented as the damsels in distress  

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they have become more sexualised and in some games theyhave even become the heroes.

Show clip of Mario saving princess peach

PRESENTER

In modern video games  women are highly sexualised and represented as sex objects. These representations are stereotypes that show that women's role in the media is related to sex.

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In games such as GTA women are represented as prostitutes and the players are allowed to do whatever theylike to them.

Show clip of GTA4 which shows prostitutes trying to get into the cars.

In another game God of war the player can have sex with the females after they have completed a mission in a place named the brothel.

Show clip of god of war.

PRESENTER

We visited the Convent of Jesus and Mary language college to talk to expert sociologists about what they thought of these representations of women in video games.  

Cuts to expert interview of sociologist

In order to find out what affect these images were having on people we asked members of the public what the thought of this image promoting Grand theft auto vice city.

Cuts to public responses

PRESENTER

On a more positive note not all women are presented as sex objects in video games they can also be the heroes. In tomb raider Lara Croft the main character is a female who fights all her own battles within the game.  

Show clip of tomb raider and part of interview where sociologists says that women are also shown to be heroes

PRESENTER

After the break we'll be looking at the representation of men with in video games and how violence within video games  is now affecting people, the physical and mental affects.