This document discusses how video games have evolved over time. It notes that early video game graphics used pixel images, while modern games use computer-generated images (CGI) for more realistic graphics. Games have also become more interactive, allowing online multiplayer. The document examines how violence and gender representation have changed in video games. Specifically, it explores how women are sometimes portrayed as sexual objects or prostitutes. However, it also notes that some games feature female heroes. After a break, the document says it will look at the representation of men in games and the effects of violence.

1. 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 computers, video games and mobile phones. These three devices have improved
dramatically over the years and are now completely different to their traditional forms.
Last week we looked at the development of computers over the years. We visited the convent of
Jesus and Mary Language College and 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.
In this episode we’ll be looking at how video games have evolved over time. 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.
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 to society. 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. This advert from Italy shows just how big this
experience can get.
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. 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.
The representation of gender has also changed over the years women are no longer presented as
the damsels in distress they have become more sexualised and in some games they have even
become the heroes .
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. In
games such as GTA women are represented as prostitutes and the players are allowed to do
whatever they like to them. 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. 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. 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.

2. 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.
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.