Kim Kardashian Hollywood CSP case study

Language

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

The objective is to create your own star and become a celebrity.

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

The A-list is the highest level given to a very popular celebrities. It is important in this game as  one of the aims is to work your way all the way up.

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

You can download the game on the apple store or play store.

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

The narrative is to work your way up the celebrity scale while interacting with other characters who play important roles. This is all set in the United States.

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

There are a mix of real VIP characters and fictional characters. Some of the fictional characters work with you and some actively try to ruin your journey by beating you to A-List.

Audience

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

The intended audience are teen girls or even 9 year olds who enjoy the concept of dressing up and spending money.

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

Audience pleasures may be diversion as the audience are able to escape their normal lives and be able to pretend to be famous while playing the game. Personal identity is also used as the games goal is also an ambition audiences want to pursue.

3) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

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.

The game is addicting for audience as it is constantly coming out with new concepts and products that are related to the latest trends and also gives a opportunity to audience to be able to live a life like Kim.

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

James thinks Kim Kardashian: Hollywood is successful as Kim has a large brand and many fans or followers who will willingly play a game designed by their idol.

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

James suggest that players keep coming back to play the game as the frustration over the lack of energy given in the game and avatar customisations in the form of virtual goods.


Representations

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

The representations of women found in this game are modelling, dating, glamour and being successful.

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

The representation of race, ethnicity or sexuality found in this game are that players are able to customize their characters according to how they was this includes skin colour, gender etc.. Also, players are able to date who every they want whether female, male or non-binary.

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

The game reinforces stereotypes by focusing mainly on women's appearance and how they should always be looking glamorous. As well as this, it reinforces how celebrities are expected to be dating and how produces are projected as older white males. This game subverts stereotypes as it include females owning a popular business. Also, celebrities can be seen as anyone this can include, race. sexuality, skin colour and be able to date anyone.

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

The games suggests that modern perceptions of celebrities by becoming famous simply through knowing the right people and constantly promoting or attending events.

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

Someone might criticize the representation of the celebrity Kim in the game as she is trying to projects the idea that women's in character form always look perfect and glamorous with full on make-up.

Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?

The game is free to download however, it includes varies in-app purchases

2) How does the game make money?

The game makes huge amounts of money from in-app purchases and subscriptions. Players need to buy energy to complete tasks (or wait 30 minutes for energy to replenish). 

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

The subscriptions available are:

• Gold: 49.99 USD / month 
• Silver: 19.99 USD / month
• Bronze: 4.99 USD / month 

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

The game was marketed and promoted through the 'keeping up with the Kardashians' show through media convergence and it was commercialised on social media such as Snapchat and on the television.

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

Kim Kardashian: Hollywood uses media convergence to cross-promote the game and the Kardashian brand through the games mentioning of the Kardashian TV show back and forth on both the Kardashians institution.