Interview: The Video Game Industry

The video game industry, more commonly known as interactive entertainment has revolutionized the media marketplace over the past few decades. The progression of interactive entertainment into mainstream media is mainly a result of the advancements in technology over recent years. Better computers, better consoles, better televisions quite simply allow for the production of better games. Companies such as Playstation, Microsoft and Nintendo, which have been manufacturing games for decades, have been able to acquire huge fan bases and thousands of game developers and employee’s. Movie producers are beginning to notice the success of video games as well and the production of many game based movies have begun. Each company (Microsoft, Playstation etc) bring their own unique aspects to the world of gaming such as facial recognition, motion sensors, 3D gaming and voice recognition to name a few. They are online shows, soundtracks, books, clothing, posters, movies, clubs, websites, and conventions all dedicated to the gaming industry. With every new game, comes new possibilities, new ideas, and new forms of interaction. There is speculation that as early as 2012 that video games will become an actual alternative reality and players will mentally enter a new world, with each new game they play. This is what makes the video game industry completely unique from other forms of media; it is constantly changing, constantly improving and constantly growing.

Machinima

Machinima, is the use 3D graphics and engines to generate computer animation. Machinima.com is a website full of such animations, which have grown in popularity with the dominance of video games in the entertainment industry. Companies such as Rooster Teeth have used various video games such as Halo, Fear, The Sims, GTA and Half Life to create multiple series of shows with a comedic adaptation. These shows, which are now downloadable and purchasable on DVD, provide an alternate take on the experiences of key characters in different video games. As technology has developed, the ability to create such machinimas has become easier than ever. Machinima's are now made by fans worldwide, and provide many alternative stories and events to popular games.

Machinima is mainly a video site, which hosts different series and shows; it does however also provide reviews, forums, contests and news on the latest in video games. Machinima is also widely known for its Inside Gaming show, which airs on the web Wednesdays and Saturdays. This show gives viewers the inside scoop on what's new in the gaming universe. Users are able to subscribe to all shows and series, so that they are automatically downloaded and sorted as soon as they are updated.

Game Informer

Game Informer is a monthly video game magazine featuring articles regarding news, previews, reviews, tips and more. The magazine is very successful, having nearly 3 million subscribers, making it the highest circulated video game magazine. It is listed as the 12th largest magazine (U.S.) and is among the top four magazines for males between the ages of 18 to 34. It is owned by GameStop (a video game store), allowing for in store promotions, which have played a large role in the establishment of its large subscription base. A subscription is also included with the purchase of a GameStop, Gamers Edge discount card.

In November of 2009, Game Informer underwent a complete redesign of its magazine and online website. The website, which closed in 2001 and later reopened in 2003, now has many additional features such as a review database, news updates and exclusive "unlimited" content for those who are subscribers. The magazine has also caused various spin offs and in 2008 a Game Infarcer issue was a mix of Assassins Creed and Dawson's Creek (Assassins Creek). Game Informer also has an annual Sacred Cow Barbecue, which is similar to a celebrity roast, except the targets are various gaming icons.

Gamefaqs

Gamefaqs is a video game based website with emphasis on video game faqs, walkthroughs, tutorials, cheats, screen shots, saved games and reviews. Gamefaq's is a website designed to assist gamers who are finding various games difficult. The website encourages user participation through the message board and is constantly asking users their opinions, through the use of a daily opinion poll. It is estimated that every day approximately 20,000 topics and 200, 000 messages are posted on one of Gamefaqs 60,000 message boards.

As technology has developed so has the complexity of video games. With this increased complexity comes the need for reliable sources of aid. This is one of the main foundations of Gamefaq's; it exists merely as an informational database, which provides useful hints, tips, tutorials and even full walkthroughs. As an independent affiliate of Imagine Games Network (IGN), Gamefaq's stands as one of the best sites for video game help. There is also no shortage of contests and user polls on the Gamefaq website, keeping users involved and motivated. The included video is a brand new trailer for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 featuring Eminem.

GameTrailers: Top 10 Video Game Theme Songs

GameTrailers is unique to other video game based websites in a variety of ways. For starters, it has its own television show that airs on Spike TV Thursday nights at 12:30am. The television program provides various information regarding newly released and upcoming games. The television program first began in 2005 and has gradually evolved over the years. Another aspect of GameTrailers, which makes it unique from other gaming websites is the ability to earn Game Trailers Points (GTP). These points earned through participation in forums and other interactions with the website allow users to purchase various merchandise and receive special virtual privileges. Users are also able to create groups known as "factions" that are private groups with access to private forums. Created based on favourite games or other interests, these factions allow users to find other individuals with similar opinions and interests. GameTrailers also makes many videos through the use of user polls. These polls allow users to vote on various topics, including: favourite games, characters, theme songs, genres, weapons etc. The video included is the top 10 video game theme songs, chosen by GameTrailer users.

Gamespot

Gamespot is one of the most popular gaming websites, providing the lastest news, previews, reviews, downloads and more. Gamespot encourages users to participate in group forums allowing them to make their own game reviews, blogs and articles. In 2004, Spike TV deemed Gamespot as the Best Gaming Website according to Spike TV viewers. It's main sources of competition include: IGN, 1UP and Gamespy but it remains one of the most visited websites, attracting 60 million visitors annually.

Gamespot covers nearly every platform including: Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Gameboy, Sega Saturn, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation and more. Gamespot is known for its annual Game of the Year, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots as the winner of 2008. Its large community allows users to make profiles and participate in forum discussion. The video included is a show known as "On the Spot", hosted by Shaun McInnis. The show discusses newly released games as well as upcoming ones. It also provides reviews, tips, updates, news and more as well as various gaming merchandise that can be won.

IGN: Video Games, Cheats, Movies and More

IGN Entertainment is a multimedia news and reviews website with emphasis placed on video games. It is a large corporation that also owns and controls various other sites including: Gamespy, AskMen and Rotten Tomatoes. Formerly known as Imagine Games Network, its website includes "channels" covering a vast array of information including: music, movies, games, television, comic books, gear and more. The game related channels cover systems such as: Playstation 3, Playstation 2, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, Xbox 360, Retro and the iPhone.

IGN Entertainment was founded in 1996, consisting of 5 individual websites within Imagine Publishing. In 2005 it was claimed by IGN that they had an average of 24 million visitors a month and is ranked among the top 200 most visited websites. Widely known for its extensive reviews of the newest games and movies, it has become a reliable source of information for gamers worldwide. Users and visitors are able to participate in blogs, forums, contests and can subscribe to various IGN videos and podcasts.