Videogames case study 2 - Kim Kardashian: Hollywood

 Language

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

To become an a list celebrity within the game

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

The highest tier of fame a famous person can become. It is important in the game as Kim Kardashian herself is an a list celebrity

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

On a mobile device through the app store or google play

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

You start out in LA, and then you must visit as many places as you can while garnering fame

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

You can customize your character to be anything, and celebrities that appear in game include: Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and more

Audience

1) Who is the intended audience for the Kim Kardashian Hollywood game? Why do you think this?

For young people (mainly girls) who look up to Kim Kardashian and want to be just as famous as her one day

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

Escapism: You put yourself in the shoes of a virtual character and interact with virtual people

3) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

It shows people what fame is like

Read this article from Forbes on why the Kim Kardashian game is so successful. If the website is blocked in school, you can access the text of the article here.

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

It is really well put together and thought out for a mobile game whereas the other games in the industry like to rush games and not think carefully about mechanics or aesthetic

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

It is really addicting and simplistic


Representations

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

Women empowerment, mainly includes female celebrities and the advertising is done from a female protagonist perspective

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

Many diverse range of characters ethnically, also lgbtq relationships can take place in game

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

Subverts stereotypes by giving women power

Reinforces them by suggesting that women need to look "glamourous" or "pretty" and need make up and nice designer clothes to succeed as a celebrity and become famous

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

You must look good fashion wise and speak to famous people and have managers and contractors

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

It makes it seem simple and easy to achieve fame and undermines actual achievement into pressing a few buttons on screen

Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?

Free

2) How does the game make money?

In-App purchases

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

VIP subscriptions

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

Kim Kardashian herself posted about it on her Instagram page

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

By including a wide range of famous and recognisable celebrities worldwide