Curious about how violent video games originated? Join us at Culture Shock Gaming in our first episode titled “Video Games Struggle on Violence,” where we examine the past and discuss how violence in video games started and popularized with the help of Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas.
I created this podcast for individuals who have some knowledge of video games and are interested in learning more. This is evident by the fact that I used sound effects when discussing certain video games; sound effects allow an audience who knows nothing about the game to visualize and understand what makes it so violent.
Not only did I decide to add sound effects, but I changed the wording of a couple of sentences around for the script as well as I believe talking in person is completely different than reading. Some changes just sound better when speaking is it can be spoken and understood easily.
I also included music that fit what each section is discussing. For example, in the paragraphs examining Mortal Kombat, I used a dark, mysterious type of music. While In the sections describing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, I used a similar hip hop instrumental song that the game has in its soundtrack. Overall, both music and sound effects help the audience become more aware and understand what each game and section is about.
Throughout this project, I felt that it was easier to cater to more audiences. For example, i realized that it would have been possible to add several subtle lines of dialogue only an expert would understand while at the same time not bothering a beginner. This may not be easy to achieve for writing pieces as the I believe the hosts voice is achieves it.
Hi Chris! Your pidcast has great information and content. The music and pauses worked well The only constructive suggestion I have would be to adjust certain sections in which your voice became slightly muffled.
Thanks. I’ll see if I can use a p-filter like Professor Ellis suggested to fix this issue.
Dear Christopher, Great use of different background music by fading in and out across your entire podcast. You integrated sound effects from the video games discussed in a supportive manner–it helped the listener understand specific elements of the games that you discussed. I think that you opened and closed the podcast with the same music–very good idea to create that aural bookend to your podcast. I liked how you quoted material by telling your audience where the information came from. To improve another version of your podcast, I would recommend a p-filter in front of your microphone or using a different microphone for a higher fidelity recording (I turned down the bass and increased the treble on the classroom mixer to help your voice stand out better). Best, Dr. Ellis
Thank you for the feedback professor. For the next version of my podcast, I will see if I can obtain a p-filter to help my voice come through more clearer. I will also try to include more sound effects as certain parts seem to lack them.
Dear Chris,
I think your podcast was awesome! I can’t think of anything that is a con from your podcast. I really liked your integration of external media in your podcast.
If there is anything that you may want to work on, I would say your voice modulation and it being overshadowed by the music at some points. Even without that, however, I think your podcast was spot-on!
Sincerely,
A fellow classmate.
Thanks for the feedback Rownak. I will have to get a better mic or use a p-filter to fix my voice. As for the music, I agree that certain songs need to be reduced.
Chris, the use of music and sound effects was well executed, it even gave me some ideas of how to work on improving my own podcast. One thing that I would say would have been add some more pauses between sections, especially after some of the sound effects as you start talking right away, however, the long pauses between sections was done well. Perhaps work on the way you speak in the podcast to not sound like if you simply reading it aloud. Overall, good work.
Thanks for the suggestions George, I see what you mean about having more pauses, I will try and work on this. As for the the way I talk, I agree. I’ll be practicing my speech to achieve a more interesting podcast.