Jenkins

Definition

Jenkins refers to Henry Jenkins, a prominent media scholar known for his work on media convergence, participatory culture, and the role of fans in the creation and consumption of media. His theories have significant implications for video game studies, especially concerning how players engage with games beyond traditional play, incorporating aspects like fandom, community interaction, and transmedia storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jenkins argues that video games are a central part of convergence culture, where players engage with narratives across different formats and platforms.
2. He emphasizes the importance of community in gaming, noting that players often participate in fan cultures that create shared experiences and interpretations.
3. Jenkins suggests that video games facilitate participatory culture by allowing players to modify and create content, enhancing their engagement with the game.
4. His work highlights how narrative in video games can be enriched through transmedia storytelling, where players can explore stories in different contexts and formats.
5. Jenkins believes that understanding player agency is crucial in video game studies, as it shapes how stories are told and experienced in gaming.

Review Questions

• How does Jenkins' concept of convergence culture apply to video games and player engagement?
  • Jenkins' concept of convergence culture applies to video games by illustrating how players engage with narratives across various media platforms. This includes not just playing the game but also participating in discussions online, creating fan content, and consuming related media such as movies or books. By understanding this interplay between different forms of media, we can see how player engagement is enhanced through a richer context of storytelling and community interaction.
• Discuss the role of participatory culture in shaping modern gaming communities according to Jenkins.
  • Jenkins emphasizes that participatory culture plays a vital role in modern gaming communities by enabling players to take an active part in content creation and sharing. This includes fan art, mods, and forums where players discuss strategies or share experiences. Such interactions foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among players, ultimately transforming them from passive consumers into engaged contributors who influence the gaming landscape.
• Evaluate the impact of transmedia storytelling on narrative experiences in video games based on Jenkins' theories.
  • Evaluating the impact of transmedia storytelling on narrative experiences in video games reveals that Jenkins’ theories highlight how stories can be expanded across various platforms. This approach allows for deeper exploration of characters and plotlines, offering players unique perspectives depending on where they interact with the story. As a result, players are not just recipients of a singular narrative but are encouraged to piece together a larger story through their interactions across different media forms. This enriches their overall experience and engagement with both the game and its extended universe.

Related terms

Convergence Culture: A term coined by Jenkins that describes the flow of content across various media platforms and how this impacts consumer behavior and media production.

Participatory Culture: A concept by Jenkins that highlights the active role of consumers in creating, sharing, and engaging with media content, leading to a more collaborative environment.

Transmedia Storytelling: A storytelling technique that spreads narratives across multiple media platforms, allowing audiences to experience different facets of a story through various channels.