Video Games in Communication Contexts

How are video games impacted by intercultural communication contexts? 

We established that video games and culture are mutually exclusive. With that said, they are impacted by the framework surrounding communication.

Environmental 

Video games can be played anywhere: at home, in a public space or anywhere on a device. 

Social 

Video games were introduced in a communal setting: the arcade where people could play together or compete. Home consoles allowed for a similar setup. Since the introduction of online games, players can socialize remotely. It’s common for these games to have a chat box, software plugin or speaker set to talk while playing. Communication is also inevitable to establish rules, scores and playing terms. 

Temporal 

Video games can be played at any time, and since many are online, it is possible for players to interact across time zones. 

Physical 

In order to play video games, a gamer must possess the specific hardware, software and/or accessories. This equipment costs a significant amount of money which determines who can “enter” the playing field. 

Psychological 

Video games require extensive skills including eye-hand coordination, visual, audial, memory and comprehension. Original arcade games were designed to induce compulsion (through rewards, ranks and/or a scoring system) in order to increase monetization. Home consoles, devices and applications utilize the same compulsion to increase sales. In addition, video games have been noted for their use of escapism and stress relief.