Videogames case study 2 - Kim Kardashian: Hollywood blog tasks💕

 Language

1) What is the objective when playing the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?

The aim of Kim Kardashian Hollywood is to work your way  up the celebrity scale from Z-List to A-List.

2) What is an A-list celebrity? Why is it important in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

An A-list celebrity is a celebrity that has the highest social status and is known to be the most popular, This is important in the game as if you become an A list celeb you can become friends with the kardashians on the game and become popular on the game.

3) How do you download the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?

You can download the game on the app store or Google Play store

4) What is the narrative or storyline of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood? Where is it set?

There are a range of locations in the game that try to mirror the stereotype of the celebrity lifestyle of an A-lister

Special Events are temporary goal arcs that are available only during Weekend Events in the game. By completing them, players can not only earn Cash Cash, XP XP, Energy Energy and Star Stars, but also Special Event stars.  These regularly happen and keep the game fresh.

5) What characters can you play as? What characters appear in the game?

The characters in Kim Kardashian Hollywood are a mixture of real VIP characters and fictional characters. 

Kim and the rest of the Kardashian / Jenner family appear in the game as well as celebrity friehnds.

Audience

1) What audience pleasures are provided by the game? Use Blumler & Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory.

-Relationships- "narrative- your own character/avatar" , "celebrity; playing with Kim Kardashian and friends"

-Diverson- "escapism- different/celebrity lifestyle" , "setting- LA/Hollywood" , "wealth and success- lifestyle"

-Surveillance/Information-  "kardashians and other friends + lifestyle"

2) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

The game is addictive because there're levels and celebrities are put in categories/ status levels which makes the consumer want to play more.

4) Why does James Liu think Kim Kardashian: Hollywood is so successful?

-Branding. Kim is a major brand-name. Her star power gives the game a significant advantage. 
-Publishing. Glu Mobile is a publishing titan in the mobile world. They have a very large network of quality users that play their games. 
-Placement. Both Kim and Glu are powerful and trusted names. This gives them a significant advantage when approaching various store fronts like Apple or Google

5) What does James Liu suggest is the reason players keep coming back to the game?

-Frustration over the lack of energy. Most events require 1 more energy than you're given to complete in a sitting.
-Avatar customization in the form of virtual goods. Clothes, Sofas, Chairs, and even a new apartment. It fits in well with the theme.


Representations

1) What representations of women can be found in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

modelling , fashion , dating & being successful.

2) What representations of race, ethnicity or sexuality can be found in the game?

The players can customise their character according to how they want (skin colour, facial features and their own name)

3) How does the game both reinforce and subvert stereotypes in the media?

It reinforces stereotypes by focusing on women's appearance, modelling and dating as a way to be successful. Similarly, celebrity is represented as something to aspire to even without an obvious talent or ability. 
-It subverts stereotypes by including high status, female business representatives in the game

4) What does the game suggest regarding modern perceptions of celebrity and how to get famous?

It suggests that in today's society you become famous simply by knowing the right people and constantly promoting/attending events.

5) How might someone criticise the representation of celebrity in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

that women need to model and always look good and be in popular and expensive places to maintain a fun fancy lifestyle.

Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?

The game is free to download however, it includes varies in-app purchases (monthly/weekly subscriptions)

2) How does the game make money?

The game is free to download but makes huge amounts of money from in-app purchases and subscriptions. Players need to buy energy to complete tasks (or wait 30 minutes for energy to replenish). 

3) What subscriptions are available to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

• Gold: 49.99 USD / month 
• Silver: 19.99 USD / month
• Bronze: 4.99 USD / month 

4) How was Kim Kardashian: Hollywood marketed and promoted?

It was promoted by social media and influencer's associated with the Kim K brand. Also, there is advertising that takes place withing the game (Twitter, Facebook etc) which broadens the platform of the game. They made a 31 second tv advert to also promote the game.

5) How does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood use media convergence to cross-promote the game and the Kardashian brand?

"Advertising appears in this game and may permit users to interact with one another (e.g., chat rooms, player to player chat, messaging) depending on the availability of these features. Linking to social networking sites are not intended for persons in violation of the applicable rules of such social networking sites." This initially shows how there are cross-promoted brands incorporated within the game (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)