In the growing landscape of digital media, niches are becoming more intricate and interconnected. One such niche is the realm of Virtual Photography in Video Games, a perfect example of participatory media culture, and the agency that video game users have to immerse themselves in the game world, even outside the game text. This niche involves capturing stunning imagery from the virtual worlds of video games and sharing these captured moments through various platforms.
As we delve into this niche, a map provides a visual guide that categorises different aspects of the media niche’s landscape, including:
- Motivation for posting
- Photography styles
- Top Creators
- Hashtags and Threads
- Access
- Game Text
- Platform
- Modes of Participation
- Audience Personas
- Developers
To construct this map, it necessitates the implementation of core ethnographic skills, one of which is mapping itself. Mapping, in ethnographic terms, is a process of visually representing a specific domain. It begins with conceptualising, the process of framing the phenomenon into categories that can be visually represented. This approach gives a bird’s-eye view of the media niche, thereby allowing us to see the larger picture of its inner workings.
Let's do some hunting 📸
— VPRT 🔄 Virtual Photography Retweets (@VPRetweet) August 2, 2023
Use #WWWednesday on your Red Dead shots, people. Good day 🍺🤠 pic.twitter.com/2JLduy87rD
Next, we move on to the narrowing process. This phase entails identifying specific components within each category, essentially breaking down the broader picture into its constituting parts. As part of narrowing, we may consider aspects like which video game to capture via screenshots, taking into account the game’s popularity, graphics, and community.
The final ethnographic skill necessary for mapping is exploring, a task that involves uncovering background and contextual information about the media niche. In the context of virtual photography, this might involve understanding the best platforms to share content, the optimal practices for posting, and becoming familiar with the network of relations within the media niche. This aspect of exploration is critical for successful participation, aiming to garner views and foster connections with other users.
These ethnographic skills of conceptualising, narrowing, and exploring are essential as per Creswell, John W. (2016) in his book, “30 Essential Skills for the Qualitative Researcher”. However, these skills are not limited to academic pursuits; they are also applicable in content creation within this niche of virtual photography in video games.
As we navigate this fascinating niche, these skills help in curating a feed of virtual photography that is engaging, dynamic, and reflects a comprehensive understanding of the medium. By doing so, we can effectively navigate this intricate network of relations, participate meaningfully in this niche, and maximise our potential to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for virtual photography in video games.
Reference List
Creswell, JW 2016, 30 Essential Skills for the Qualitative Researcher, Los Angeles, Sage.