Exploring Narrative through Space- Contemporary Media Issues

In this weeks lesson we learned how narrative can be communicated through various modes, and in the exercise we explored how space can contribute to a given narrative. I found this session very enjoyable as we were split into groups and allowed to explore the screen school to present our story. Firstly, each group was given a start- off location and a statement to mark the beginning of the narrative- ours was "It was inevitable, the smell of almonds would always remind me of the fate of unrequited love". From this we decided to create a story centered around the memory of a first time love experience. We created photographic images of these memories and placed them around various parts of the screen school so those experiencing the narrative could get a spacial feel of the story and we added a time- travelling element through making use of the elevator to create a time portal. At the end of the exercise we got a chance to view the other group's narratives which was really fun as each provided a different experience. Overall I really enjoyed this experience and it provided an effective introduction to time/space narrative.

In this class we were also introduced to our next assignment which involves incorporating this technique of Location based narrative through google maps. The location I was assigned to is Otterspool Park and Promenade, so in my group we must devise a narrative starting at this point which moves to four or so other locations throught the world on the therme of Favourite Places/Hidden spaces. I look forward to starting this task after Christmas.

Presenting our game- Contemporary Media Issues

In last weeks lesson we had to present our games to the class through prezi's and at the end of each presentation we received valuable feedback relating each game. This was not only beneficial for each group to learn of what others thought of the play experience, but as a class we had the opportunity to view and enjoy each unique game. The positive feedback at the end of my presentation proved the class's interest in our game 'Scan Arcade' as we received comments regarding the structure and 'fun' element to the game, with a overall desirable 'prize'. Here is the Prezi which was shown: http://prezi.com/rvmh4a5q_2w3/scan-arcade/

Contemporary Media Issues- Designing a play experience

Within the past few weeks of our Contemporary Media Issues class, we have been given the task of designing a play experience for uses of the Screen School building. Living in the 21st century and from observing the class's choice of games in a previous lesson, I realized that a game centered around digital technology would best attract users of the Screen School. So in our group we came up with the idea of using Smart Phones as the basis of our game 'Scan Arcade'; where users enter an online community of other gamers within the building who each challenge each other in order to get top of the leader board.

The games include various arcade games such as Pacman and Tetris, and we thought it would be a good idea to introduce a new game each week, decided by the winner of the previous week. The simple scanning nature allows for self explanatory, speedy access to the game along with the various 'scan-points' around the building in communal areas such as the cafe, lifts and corridors. The virtual feel of the game allows for tension to be raised as competitors can see the fate of their fellow contestants on the screen of their smart phones through their user profiles showing their photo, and at the end of each day the leader board presents the winning competitors. Due to the technological nature of the game, a teenage market is ideal for Scan Arcade as today's teens are at one with the fast moving digital world.