CSP - Kim Kardashian: Hollywood

Language

1) What is the objective when playing the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?
The objective is to gain popularity among celebrities and become famous.

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

An A-list celebrity is an important, well known famous person that earns a lot of money. For example Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez. They are important in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood as they are there to help you on the road to fame, hanging out with them and attending parties are what speed you towards your goal.

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

It is a mobile game therefore it is only available on the app store.

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

The story follows your character on their journey to fame and fortune. It is first set in Hollywood but proceeds throughout America, Paris and London. 

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

Well there is this one character called Willow Pape who deserves to die because she called me #ratchet and I don't like her cause she's ugly and her eyebrows looks like cigarettes. i mean seriously don't give me fashion advice when your dressed like last weeks trash.

Audience

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

Teenagers and young adults (mainly females) who aim to become rich and famous because they see Kim Kardashian as a role model.

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

Escapism and Diversion from daily life is a gratification gifted by Kim Kardashian Hollywood.

3) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

The game uses it's own digital currency and awards fame and prizes for players along the way. The consistent reward system draws the audience to continue playing for as long as they can.

Read this article from Forbes on why the Kim Kardashian game is so successful.

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

Product placement. Kim Kardashian and Glu Mobile are both very established brands and by expanding their franchises they bring in more fans as well as the loyal audiences.

5) What does James Liu suggest is the reason players keep coming back to the game?
Some of the new players see the conventions placed and instantly dub the game to be one of the best ever however and old gamer would easily recognise the stereotypical aspects of the game and think that it is simply a normal game, they would have a better knowledge of what was to come next.

Representations

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

Women are stereotypically represented to be beautiful, thin, healthy, typically jealous and fashion-obsessed. However they are subverted in the aspect of power as many of the characters are very rich, independent and successful, nonetheless they can still be found obsessing over petty matters such as clothing or relationships.

2) What representations of race, ethnicity or sexuality can be found in the game?
Characters of all races exist in the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood world. It is possible to class yourself as a man or woman searching or attracted to someone of the same gender, therefore not excluding the LGBTQ+ community.

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

Women are stereotypically represented to be beautiful, thin, healthy, typically jealous and fashion-obsessed. However they are subverted in the aspect of power as many of the characters are very rich, independent and successful, nonetheless they can still be found obsessing over petty matters such as clothing or relationships.

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

The game suggests fame is earned through reputation and looks rather than actual talent, modesty or kindness. It pushes players to go to social events, interact, endure drama and sell themselves to the industry to gain fame, basically just becoming a slave to their followers (and Kim Kardashian).

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

It pushes players to go to social events, interact, endure drama and sell themselves to the industry to gain fame, basically just becoming a slave to their followers (and Kim Kardashian).

Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?
It is a free to play mobile game.

2) How does the game make money?

The game earns money through in-app purchases and advertisements. For example if a player wants more clothes or money they can purchase the virtual currency for real money.

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

Players can pay monthly to get the title of VIP which allows them to gain virtual money, secret missions and exclusive items.

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

Kim Kardashian herself starred in the advertisement for the game and most likely endorsed her game through her social media or other platforms that help her to connect with her followers (not that she ever does). By having star power in the advertisement, viewers may have been immediately drawn to the game due to the fact it was 'created' by a famous celebrity.

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

The game mainly revolves around the Kardashian family and includes social media as a way to get famous. Kim Kardashian and her family may have also advertised and promoted the game on social media which works both ways for audiences who are aware of the Kardashian brand and want to play the game as well as the few who don't know the Kardashian brand and learn more about them through playing the game.