This is an in-depth CSP and needs to be studied with reference to all four elements of the Theoretical Framework (Language, Representation, Industries, Audience) and all relevant contexts.
You will need to study:
• the game
• its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thesimsfreeplay/
• its Twitter feed
https://twitter.com/TheSimsFreePlay?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
What needs to be studied? Key Questions and Issues
Media Industries
The Sims FreePlay is a strategiclife simulation game developed by EA Mobile and later with Firemonkeys Studios. It is a freemium version of The Sims for mobile devices; it was released for iOS on December 15, 2011, released for Android on February 15, 2012, released for BlackBerry 10 on July 31, 2013, and released for Windows Phone 8 on September 12, 2013. Its is free to download but includes the possibility of in – app purchases. It is regualary updated offering players new content and the opportunity to interact with events and enter competitions.
The sims Freeplay is a game where any individuals can download for free if they have a compatible device(iOS or android). The game allows individuals to create characters that they call sims. These sims can be fully customised to however the individual is content with, a house can also be customised too. These sims can go through realistic life events and the player is able to live through it however they like to. This suggests some sort of simulation where a whole life can be lived through a game. According to Baudrillard, when it comes to postmodern simulation and simulacra, “It is no longer a question of imitation, nor duplication, nor even parody. It is a question of substituting the signs of the real for the real” This can be applied to our CSP The Sims Freeplay as the game is still being updated to present since being released on iOS to begin with in 2011.
Media Language
Both The Sims Freeplay Twitter and Facebook pages give consistent and frequent updates regarding the game. They also post if there are any issues with their game. They use informal language in a way in which they believe will connect with their gamers. “Hey Simmers” is what they used to begin one of their posts in order to address those individuals who play The Sims Freeplay game. The comments are always on for the posts allowing the players of the game to enquire and to give their opinion. This allows communication which is essential in new media and post modernism. This is because they wa
Media Audiences
Appeals to maternal instincts. taking care of, nurturing characters. Tedious tasks. Gives them full control over the world – women may play it in an attempt to get back control – which they lack in their own lives. Wide range of skin tones. outfits. hair types. potentially more left-wing – modern than previous games due to how much control is given to the game player in creating their world. Straight, bi, gay, trans are all possible. Main target age 10 – 40. However the recommended age for the game is for players aged 12 and over. The app gets its rating due to fantasy violence, partial nudity, sexual/suggestive content, and crude humour.
Media Regulation
Computer games in the UK are rated and regulated by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). They classify games according to age groups, taking account of a number of factors, including the game’s themes, language, violence, and content. The Sims FreePlay is rated 12 because it “may contain themes that are not suitable for younger children, such as the potential for violent fist fights and “woohoo”. The video game was banned in China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt due to the possibility of establishing a homosexual relationship.