In the Watkins article, we are given a more intimate look into the appeal of video games over other forms of digital media over the past few years. More specifically, as television's most coveted demographic has become increasingly more distant from the grasps of primetime programmers, it has forced the major networks to reconsider what it is exactly, that the people are looking for. With nearly a quarter of a gamer's monthly entertainment spending being spent on video games as well as about a quarter of an active gamer's weekly leisure time being spent playing video games, television is no longer the cultural experience it once was. In fact, this new era of entertainment may very well have brought with it, the death of television.

When interviewed about whether they would rather be watching television or playing video games, gamers replied that video games offered a chance for them to be active in the consumption of media. Moreover, they stated that the interactivity was crucial to them and that it made them feel like they were "doing something" rather than being passive consumers. This was particularly important to note as players of MMORPGs explained that the allure of games came from the ability to consume entertainment media with others, some of whom you would be meeting for the first time, all while experiencing unique and immersive narratives. Even with games missing such narrative structures such as Guitar Hero, the players explained that it offered them a shared community experience and the opportunity to meet people. Moreover, video games gave the players opportunities to "master" them and to become skilled at playing them, providing a sense of accomplishment to the high consumption of media.

On that note, I recall the movie industry dabbling into interactivity at one point and this is what they got. I am not sure as to whether it was successful or whatnot, but it does seem kind of cool despite being extremely limited in scope.



What is the appeal of media entertainment to you? More specifically, what do you look for in your media and how much of it do you consume in a traditional manner compared as to using the computer for everything? What are some of the advantages or disadvantages to such media consumption habits?