Written Analysis #3

This week’s written analysis is regarding the application of the concepts of heroes and celebrities to the Xbox One and Playstation 4, as well as their respective launches.  Even though, neither topic directly applies to the above, that does not mean they are not applicable to them at all. 

Almost every video game ever made has some sort of hero, whether his/her motive be good or bad.  A few of the heroes that have since been introduced or reintroduced to the gaming community on these relatively new consoles include Nick Ramos (Dead Rising 3), Big Boss (Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes), Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), Edward Kenway (Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag), and Deslin Rowe (Infamous: Second Son).  Plenty more will join them in the months to come, including but not limited to Batman (Batman: Arkham Knight), Aiden Pierce (Watch Dogs), and BJ Blazkowicz (Wolfenstein: The New Order).  The motivation and qualities of all of these heroes differ whether it be for the sake of survival and rescuing others from grizzly fates (Nick Ramos & Lara Croft) fighting the oppressive tyranny of a government funded control group (Deslin Rowe), or for the fame/notoriety and riches that come with the title (Edward Kenway).  Some of these characters define hero to a tee, such as Deslin who through a freak accident gains superpowers that help him in liberating Seattle. Others are defined by their courageous actions and bravery in the face of danger both living and undead (Nick Ramos & Lara Croft).

To a lesser extent, the concept of celebrities can be applied to the games on these systems as well as key figures within the companies (Microsoft and Sony) that make them.  While these people are far from being on par with the celebrity status of the likes of Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, they are still celebrities nonetheless. They wind up being the public face of a company or brand as well as someone gamers look up to like Kazuo Hirai (CEO of Sony) and Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox Division at Microsoft).  Characters that have been around for decades in the video game world, have sort of gained celebrity status as well, such as the case for Lara Croft who is essentially known as the first lady of video games.  This is due to the fact that she is the most well known female game character created.

The insight I have gained from the application of these concepts to my topic is I have really developed a better definition of what makes a hero in that it is not simply someone with inhuman abilities, but someone defined by positive actions to a varying degree.  Games have also depicted heroes recently as every day people, who when faced with difficult circumstances, rise to the occasion to adapt to and combat them. This is what happened to Nick Ramos when the zombie outbreak hit Los Perdidos in Dead Rising 3, and the reimagined Lara Croft whom was an archaeology student out with a group of friends on an expedition when their boat crash landed on a dangerous island in the Tomb Raider reboot.  Basically, a hero can be anyone inspirational who encourages positivity out of others.  In regards to celebrities, I did not really learn much more outside of there being a varying degree of celebrity in the video game industry, them being more of a public face and advocate for gamers as opposed to someone who stars in big name movies or shows.