Call of Duty video game trailer - Exam Practice Time Conditions

Media Audiences: Who does this text appeal to and what pleasures does it offer?

Firstly, the target audience for this trailer is males between the ages 17-30 year olds who enjoy playing the game Call of Duty or are console fans . This shows that the trailer appeals to a more male dominated audience because of the violence, blood, strong language which is featured, therefore it is unlikely to intrigue a female audience as they are more into feminine things. Notably, the social economic class which would be associated with the target audience would be  C2,C1, and B. This is because Xbox and buying the game on top would be expensive which conveys that individuals from these three economic classes are more likely to afford it. However, some middle class individuals from the social demographic of group A possibly may be appealed in buying this game but as they have high ranking jobs they may not have time or they prefer other things. Moreover, according to Katz and Blulmer audiences uses and gratification theory the pleasure the trailer offers is Diversion as the audience may feel entertained while watching the audience and personal relationship as they may buy this game to form a relationship/interact with other people. Furthermore, the trailer could appeal to the psychographic group of explores and reformers. 

Media Forms: What codes and conventions does the trailer use to establish the text’s genre?

The genre of this trailer is an action which is clearly establish through the iconography of the guns, blood, bombs, cars, explosions etc which creates a dynamic atmosphere for the audience. This is linked to Barthes theory of actions codes as the different iconography shown in the trailer all relate to the genre of the trailer, which makes it clear for the audience to know what type of game this is. Notably, the clothing are significant because the helmets/green army costume the men wear all link to genre of the text being an action and the fact that there are various setting shown in the trailer reinforces the idea of a war taking place. Moreover, the montage editing used is effective in creating a dramatic atmosphere as the fast pace editing with guns shots and bombs establishes to the audience that the game is specifically focuses on action. The trailer uses mostly long shots/establishment shots to show the different elements of this game and the point of view shots are effective as it would make the audience feel as if they are actually in the setting.

Media Representations: How is war represented in the trailer?
The trailer promotes a negative representation of the war as being destructive and dangerous event. For instance, the bomb exploding, shooting, blood, all create a dramatic and tense atmosphere and it allows the audience to feel as if they are in the soldiers shoes and experience war from their perspective. This genre is likely to have a negative influence on young children if they play this game as it would encourage violent and aggressive behaviour due to the props used.

Media Institutions: In what ways is the trailer typical of the video game industry?
The trailer is typical of a video game industry through the graphics as normally in a trailer it would either be animations or filming actual people.In a trailer there is always a voice over of a narrator or character talking to give the audience an idea of what the narrative is going to be about; however, this trailer does not include any voice over instead it contains non-diegetic sound of explosions, music which makes it suitable for a video game industry. This is because the audience would be more interested in finding out about what the game would be like, therefore by showing the different elements in this trailer would keep them engaged and entertained. Notably, there are important information shown at the end of trailer which is common such as the release date for the game which allows the audience to know when the game will be available for them to buy.