The Use of Storytelling in Videogames Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Use of Storytelling in Videogames - Essay Example This is not possible in the traditional storytelling methods and even theatricals. Video games allow the player to make a choice on the direction that the story will take. The freedom to make a choice makes the player feel a part of the happenings in the story. The player has the ability to make decisions that impact on the story. Video games enable players to role play and this makes the player to adopt a set of characters for the choice made. Story telling through the use of video games offers more latitude to the player because a single game can have multiple endings. The player has an active role not just as a mere viewer. The games that are player driven games tell a story in a dramatic way such the player feels the impact of the decisions taken in real time as the game continues. The outcome of the video game may depend on the performance of the player and the options taken in the scenarios that present themselves in the game. Therefore, the video games tell a story in a dynami c and interactive way instead of the traditional media that tell stories in a static way. The synthesis between the story and game play is important if a video game is to have an impact on its target audience. The user interface of the game has to be compelling and the game should not have any technical bugs that affect it during play. The storyline has to be well thought out such that even if there can be multiple outcomes of the game, coherence and flow is still maintained. Videogames allow for the developer to include a back story. This significantly helps to expand upon the main story and put all the characters in context. For instance, if a given character in a war game is full of vengeance, the background story can be given to elaborate on the reasons for this. Back story also helps to add special scenes to the story that highlight traits of character that may not be shown in the game. Different game modes allow the player to choose the specific settings that suit their prefer ence when playing the game. The result of this is that the games tells a story that is customized to a given player hence it becomes more captivating and interesting than in the traditional media. Video games engage the player to actively take part in activities that unfold in the story. The feeling of involvement makes the story more engrossing to the player; a feat that cannot be attained through the use of traditional media. The use of video games in story telling has gained widespread adoption especially among school going children and youths. This is because the characters in the video games are easy to identify with. On top of that, the challenge involved in crafting their story as they play the video game is a significant motivator. In as much as both video games and films share the same characteristics in terms of story line and visual style, video games have an added advantage by enabling interactivity. Videogames may also tell a story through cut scenes. This is whereby th e game pauses and plays a saved clip to explain the next plot before play advances. The player has to put aside the controls and watch the clip before advancing to the next level. However, with advances in technology, most games of recent times have embraced the concept of empowering the player to write the story. This further cements the position that the future direction in video games is more inclined towards player driven games. The actual control of the games may not necessarily be real but what

The Schengen Agreement and Migration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Schengen Agreement and Migration - Essay Example This initiated the first step of the dialogue. The next issue discussed was whether this should be applied to people who were outside this European Community. The movement gained momentum when some of the countries decided to push ahead with the proposal and eliminate these borders. (Hiroyuki Tanaka and Trinidad Macias, 2007) The Benelux countries which included Belgium, Luxemborg and Netherlands had already initiated the process of having a common passport much before the idea of Schengen originated. This was formed as early as the 1970’s. France and Germany furthered strengthened their cross border treaties by signing a bilateral agreement in 1984 which decided to do away with the cross border checks. (Gelatt Julia, 2005) This was borne by the protests initiated by truck drivers who were not happy with the long procedural delays these checks were taking. To further strengthen the agreement a number of countries like France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Belgium signed the first agreement on June 14, 1985 at Schengen. It was decided to do away with the passports and other red tape including procedural delays which hampered free movement. The process that began in Schengen was considered as a sort of beginning for greater co-ordination between further member states of the European Union so that the idea that was generated in Schengen could be expanded to the whole of the EU. (Kazmierkiewicz, 2005) Source: Hiroyuki Tanaka and Trinidad Macias, 2007, Schengen Member States The Schengen area further consolidated its intentions by eliminating the need for border checks on both travellers from the member countries and also relaxing these norms for visitors from outside the Schengen area. However there was a need for careful monitoring the people who was allowed free access in the Schengen area. The Schengen Convention was further ratified by France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Germany in 1990. (Bertozzi Stefano, 2008) Several key decisions were taken in this convention. The terms and conditions for the issuance of short term visas for less than 90 days were outlined. It also laid out the policies for the travel of people across the Schengen region. Movement of people who intended to stay on for more than 90 days were provided with long term visas. Internal border checks were done away with but external borders were still subjected to the principles of national legislation.( Gelatt Julia, 2005) The Schengen roped in further countries. In 1990 Italy joined in while Portugal entered into the fray 1991. Spain joined next in 1992 supported by Austria in 1995. Finland, Sweden and Denmark completed the formalities of joining in 1996. (Hiroyuki Tanaka and Trinidad Macias, 2007) An interesting facet to this agreement was that although Norway and Iceland were not members of the EU, it supported and became a member to enhance the sanctity of the union. The membership of Denmark into the Union however came with a rider. They could fe el free to agree or disagree with decisions that were made from time to time in the Schengen Agreements. Schengen Information System The Schengen Conv

The Global Service Sector Enterprises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Global Service Sector Enterprises - Essay Example There was rapid agricultural and industrial development which was facilitated by the rich reserve of natural resources in the country. In the past few decades, Australia has established itself as an advanced economy and a strong competitor in the international market for goods and services. In the last century, Australia has been named one of the fastest developing economies among the OECD countries. The economic reforms made in the country during the 1980s are a major reason behind such brilliant performance by the economy. It ranks high in the international standards in the indices measuring human development, life expectancy, public literacy level and preservation of fundamental rights of the people. Australia has a non-permanent membership in the United Nations for the year 2013-2014 and is a member of the World Trade Organization since 1995 (Security Council Report, 2012). PESTLE Analysis Several factors originate and exist in the macro scenario of an economy that affects the op erations of the business organizations of the economy. Changes in tax structures, trade barriers, change in government policy, demographic changes and a multitude of new laws implemented as a result of all these changes form parts of the macro-environmental change (Morrison, 2011). We shall use the PESTEL model to analyse these changes in the context of Australia and determine the factors that act as drivers of small and medium enterprises within the country. POLITICAL FACTORS Political factors relates to the extent to which the government interferes into the matters of the economy. The government of Australia is also known as â€Å"the Commonwealth Government† or â€Å"the federal government† (Australia, n.d.). The government body has three divisions; the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The constitution makes no reference to any political party so as to allow the legislature to operate smoothly. Although government policies are a very practical method of affecting business practices directly, they are not always appropriate or effective (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). Government intervention The Australian Government launches programs from time to time which are aimed at improving the environment for SMEs, promoting their growth and increasing employment levels (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). It provides grants to the enterprises for developing employee skill and provides support in project planning. It provides advisory support to entrepreneurs for the starting of home-based business and expanding them. However, there are several government policies and regulations which are acting as barriers to business development of the SMEs. The government is taking steps to reduce such regulations and encouraging local governments to help small firms in reducing compliance costs (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). Consumer protection Rights of the consumers in Australia are protected with utmost sincerity. There is a single consumer law applicable for the entire nation. â€Å"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission† (Australian government, n.d.) formed in 1995 has the responsibility to look after trade practices, prices and overall consumer benefit. The provision of consumer security makes Australia a safe ground for business activities

Legal Topic Digital Forensics Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Legal Topic Digital Forensics - Research Paper Example This investigation discovered one hundred and eighty four video files and fifty-three still images of child pornography in Lynn’s computer hard drive (Watson & Jones, 2013). The investigation also found that the videos and images had been obtained from the internet using Limewire, a program that allows peer-to-peer file sharing. On the first count, the defendant was convicted of receiving child pornography, a crime that violates  § 2252(a)(2). He was also convicted of possessing child pornography material violating  § 2252(a)(4)(B). Lynn was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment for the count of receiving child pornography material and 120 months imprisonment for the count of possessing the material. The court ordered a term of life supervision after Lynn’s release from prison (Casey & Altheide, 2010). Lynn’s case implored the application of 18 U.S.C  §Ã‚ § 2251 through 2260. These sections warrant criminal and civil forfeiture of devices used to depict child pornography, the profits obtained from these crime and properties used in committing them. Record keeping of materials used to depict sexually explicit conduct was provided for in section 2257. Lynn was also liable for failure to report child abuse that is entrenched in a misdemeanor crime in section 2258. The 18 U.S.C  §2525 that addresses the circumstances involving the use of interstate facilities to disseminate information about a minor was applicable to Lynn’s case. Another law that applied to this case is Title 19 section 1305 that criminalizes the importation of obscene materials. This law permits courts to order the seizure and forfeiture of such materials (Altheide & Carvey, 2011). Since Lynn retrieved the materials from the internet which is interstate, he was convicted of violation of the 18 U.S.C  § 2252. This section criminalizes interstate distribution of materials depicting a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Child

Presentation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Presentation - Assignment Example Our strategy is to become the clear market leader in internet sales. This strategy of choice will ensure that we give our customers the best services that is worth their money. This strategy also makes it easier for our company to focus on the intended objectives and ensure that our customers are left with the urge of getting even more. At Fingent, we are set to settle for nothing but the best in the market, seeing to it that we produce quality products and service delivery. In essence, we settle for nothing less than excellence. This will also set confidence in our company among our esteemed customers who will not think that we are just but making a buck whichever way we possibly can. To start with, our company has identified its target customers which is also the target market. Having this in place, we are going to be as unique as we possibly can to be able to outdo our competitors out there. We have also embarked on effective and efficient networking which will ensure that we widen our scope and network in the market. Hart, Ted, James M. Greenfield, and Michael W. Johnston.  Nonprofit Internet Strategies: Best Practices for Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising Success. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2005. Internet

Politics in China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politics in China - Research Paper Example China’s Constitution had an article regarding the freedom of the press but due to the shortcomings in the structural system it was hardly implemented. The other parties of China were hardly allowed to voice their opinion. The only way to end this autocracy was the establishment of democracy (Han & Han, 1990, p.34). In the light of the above scenario this paper seeks to examine the Tiananmen Square protests and the government’s response. Further our aim would be to examine the reason for the survival of the Communist Party when its counterparts in Eastern Europe and Soviet Union were dismantling. In what ways were the 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square, and the Party/State’s response, a critical juncture? The output of China following the socialistic pattern of society was commendable but soon it had suffered the same fate as faced by many â€Å"mature socialistic† economies. Reduction in economic growth and consumption pattern resulted in a series of reform s since late 1978 which was a deviation from the traditional socialistic pattern. The crux of the new economic policy was based on private ownership, free play of market forces for allocation and determination of market prices (Harding, 1987, p.99-100). In the month of June 1989, many students had gathered peacefully to protest against the reforms which had taken place and they also wanted to voice their opinion for a more responsible government which safeguarded democracy. They also wanted to protest against the corruption that was there within the government. The essence of the protest was not to follow a democracy style like the US instead they wanted wealth and prosperity of the nation like their western counterparts. They had no intentions of overthrowing the PRC (Lusted, 2010, pp. 1-12). The response of the PRC to the peaceful protests was not only repressive in nature but there was an absolute violation of human rights (Brown, 2002, p. 94). The government had warned the prote sters of drastic actions to control the â€Å"social chaos†. True to their words army action was taken against the protesters and they were shot dead (1989: Massacre in Tiananmen Square, 1989). The Tiananmen Square massacre was etched in history not only for its harsh outcome but also for the fact that it had occurred at such a point of time when communism in two of its strongest base was losing its hold. The protest of 1989 was the first of its kind after 1949 and it was for the sake of reforms. The protests of the people showed their dissatisfaction with the existing government. Though the incident had occurred at this critical juncture, the response of the government was very stern. They used every possible measure to crush the uprising. Why did the Communist Party in China not fall in 1989 unlike the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe? The disintegration of communism started in Poland in mid 1989 and eventually it had spread to other East European countries. Finally, it ceas ed to exist in its place of origin, that is, Soviet Union by the end of 1991. The displacement of communism in Soviet Union did not have much bloodshed. However it is considered as one of the most important political event of the twentieth century (Zuzowski, 1998, p. 1). The poor performance of the Russian economy had prompted their leader Mikhail Gorbachev to initiate a series of reforms in different phases. Though his reforms were meant to bring about economic improvement but it

Authenticity Indigenous Media Essay Example for Free

Authenticity Indigenous Media Essay â€Å"Authentic† is a double-edged sword. Discuss this statement using at least 2 indigenous media examples. How can something be a double-edged sword? How can something be harmful and at the same time helpful? We are currently living in the 21st century; there have been many lives that lived on this earth before us. These lives have done a lot of work that have got us to where we are today. This being said it is so hard to think of something new to come up with when it has probably been done before in the past in one way or another. According to dictionary. com authentic means â€Å"not copied, false, original. † To the dominant culture being authentic means coming up with something new to show the world but because, often words have more than one definition, being authentic does not always mean inventing something new to show the world. In fact, to indigenous groups it means keeping their beliefs, everyday activities, culture, etc intact. It is keeping everything they know their ancestors did and what their parents taught them to do without improvements or change. In this essay I will be comparing different indigenous groups and how the meaning of† Authentic† can be a double-edged sword to these indigenous groups. For indigenous groups being authentic is critical. Not only because it is important for them to keep their culture intact but also because it is an effective political tool. This political tool can help them negotiate land, which is one of the most important things for them because it is the main tool of survival. Many critics argue that even though these tribes are isolated they are not untouched by outsiders therefore they are not indigenous, they are just isolated groups. Video in the village’s project has been working with many tribes such as the Nambiquara, Caviao, Tikuna, Kijani Iakaha and Kaiapo. Their goal is to introduce them to the art of film so they can preserve their culture and find their identity within themselves. They have done this by giving cameras to various indigenous people themselves teaching them the basics of how to record. These people have been given the chance to record what they want to see about themselves and what they think is important to communicate to the world. Although it was a long process that took a lot of work and patience, many villages have had success. For example the Kijani Iakaha group recorded a regular day in the village where in the beginning of the film the women are lined up so they could get pat in their backs and their stomachs with a wooden stick. This, to them, represents protection; it helps their women throughout their pregnancy. They also show some of the habits they have such as picking each other’s ticks out. They also follow the regular activities of other indigenous villages. They send the kids to fish, the women stay in cleaning, cooking and watching the smaller children and the men go out to hunt. They make use of their land by planning and hunting so they can provide goods for themselves and their family. Even though these people are wearing items that belong to the dominant culture they still do what indigenous groups do. The only difference that can be taken out of the villagers is what they wear and some of their traditions; women are wearing skirts and men are wearing shorts. When indigenous groups decides to make a change to their culture it becomes harmful because it gives the government proof that these people have had contact with the dominant culture. In the article by Beth A. Conklin, Body paint, feathers, and VCRs: aesthetics and authenticity in Amazonian activism, he states, â€Å"The first, obvious idea is that outsiders (anthropologists included) tend to see complex western technology as a corrupting force that undermines traditional cultures. Real natives dont use VCRs. † Many people argue that if indigenous people work with the camera their focus is no longer in trying to keep their culture and origin instead it is to try to look good for the camera that would potentially lead to a change in their culture. The reason why it is a big deal if these tribes are up to date with the dominant world is because being indigenous gives them special rights, such as land right and political rights. When exposed to technology which essentially means they have been exposed to society they are no longer innocent and â€Å"original† they are now exposed and experienced. This, once again, creates doubts about their originality. To the eyes of the government if they are up to date with the dominant culture they are just taking up land that real indigenous people could use. According to the government and the dominant society an authentic indigenous group is that which does what the typical stereotype of an indigenous group does. They use paint to paint their bodies in a way which they can express themselves; a lot of the groups do it for special occasions such as ceremonies and different rituals. They have different rituals that represent who they are becoming. This is not always true. In the film Signs don’t speak the people in the group are wearing regular clothes yet they still behave like other indigenous groups. They still dislike white man because according to them these only bring harm. One of the villagers quotes â€Å"My father told me white man would come to take over our land. † In this film the villagers talk about an encounter they had with the white man. They thought that they would only stay and work for a short time but they end it up staying longer, working hard and destroying their land. They are well aware of the stereotypes people have about them, they prefer to stay away from one of their biggest threat, white man. In the other hand in the film video cannibalism the villagers are walking around naked, fulfilling the stereotypes, making vulgar jokes that to them have no vulgar intention and with paint all over their bodies. This group has no complications with the government because to the government these are the true indigenous people. At best, indigenous groups begin to understand how they are different from not only the dominant culture or other indigenous groups but themselves as well. It can also confirm the stereotypes many people believe making it almost impossible for these to be changed for future generation. Being authentic can be harmful because it can limit indigenous groups from self-determination and development. Authenticity can be helpful because maybe in some cultures having a primitive way of life restores some of the good interactions between people. There is not as much drama and people’s views can be heard more easily. Stereotyping brings about hardship for certain cultures, however, a culture may learn to embrace stereotyping and not be hurt as much due to the fact that they are primitive and do not have to understand what media says about them. Their portrayal is to people that they probably will never see. Technology could be what is saving these cultures from many hardships that are in modern society today. An authentic indigenous culture does not have to bear the economic difficulties that modern societies do. In the end, many cultures are indigenous, but according to what the modern society defines as authentic, modern society can have the power to say that a group is not original and therefore just aboriginal, meaning they still have the technologically advanced capabilities, but choose not to use them. Work cited Dictionary. com. Dictionary. reference. com. LLC. 2012. Web. 14 March 2012 Video in the Villages. Dir. Vincent Carelli. Documentary Educational Resources. 1989. Film. Conklin, B. A. Body paint, feathers, and VCRs: aesthetics and authenticity in Amazonian activism. JSTOR. org. JSTOR. 1997. Web. 14 March 2012. Signs Don’t Speak. Dir. Vicent Carelli, Dominique Gallois. Documentary Education Resources. 1996. Film. Video Cannibalism. Dir. Vicent Carelli. Documentary Educational Resources. 1995. Film.