This document provides guidance for analyzing representations of masculinity in two video games. Students are instructed to analyze key scenes using aspects like mise-en-scene, music and camera work. They should then examine how narrative/structure, action, character, visuals and sound represent masculinity. For each category, the document lists example questions to consider, such as whether the narrative establishes a backstory, what actions the player must perform, how characters are constructed and positioned, whether visuals and sounds create atmosphere and affect the player. Students are tasked with writing an essay comparing how the two games represent masculinity using this guidance and analysis grids.

1. Video GamesTextual Analysis

2. BackgroundIn the exam you must write about contemporary examples of masculinity in media texts. One of the mediums we will be analysing is video games.You will need to analyse keys scenes from games using micro aspects (mise en scene, music, camera work etc) just like you would for film.We will analyse/play 2 videogames in class as key texts for the exam.

3. Aspects to analyse1. Narrative/structure2. Action3. Character4. Visuals5. SoundYou then need to decide how these micro aspects represent masculinity.

4. Narrative/StructureDoes the game have a back-story? The use of backstories is very common in video games and is often used to:Establish the nature of the problem within the game and justify the situation the character finds themselves in at the start.Introduce the central characters and help the player identify with their character.Establish the visual style of the game that can influence the representations of characters and of the conflict in the game.Is part of a game that is often skipped by more experienced players.

5. Narrative/StructureHow is the game structured - does it have levels? How does the opening sequence help us to understand how masculinity is represented?Do you have to follow a set path to complete the game? How much freedom do you have to explore the gameworld?Which narrative theorists can you apply to the game e.g. Todorov, Propp, Barthes, Levi – Strauss? Explain how.

6. ActionWhat happens within the game?What actions does the character have to perform in order to succeed?Is the game all action or is it a mix of different types of sequences?What type of player-action does the game require?Does the action reinforce notions of masculinity?

7. CharacterHow are good/bad characters represented within the game?What abilities does your character have?Does the character construction rely on an understanding of any existing cultural iconography?How is the character positioned within the gameworld?How is the character presented to you as a player (first-/third-person view)?Summarise your character’s representation in terms of their masculinity. Stereotypes?

8. VisualsWhat does the game look like – its image and style?Are the visuals intertextual? If so, what are the references?How do the visuals affect the way conflict is represented within the game?Do the visuals help to create an atmosphere – what kind is it?How do the visuals affect the player?

9. SoundHow do sound effects affect the way conflict is represented within the game?How are diegetic and non-diegetic sound effects used?How can sound effects affect the player?

10. TaskAnswer the following essay question: How do the two videogames represent masculinity?Use your grids to help you.Make reference to theories.Make reference to wider contexts.