Intertextuality and hybridity

Overview

Intertextuality in a video game, genre's repertoire of elements being shared across forms and franchise, in media language terms.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is intertextuality?

   Model answer

   The use of references to other media products within a product, so that meaning depends on knowledge of the text referred to.

2. 2

   Why is intertextuality a form of audience flattery?

   Model answer

   Recognising the reference rewards the audience's knowledge and creates a sense of belonging with the producer.

3. 3

   What happens to a reader who misses an intertextual reference?

   Model answer

   The product still works at its surface level, so the reference adds a layer for those who have it without excluding those who do not.

4. 4

   Give an example of intertextuality in a video game.

   Model answer

   A game that reproduces the framing, music and iconography of the western is understood through the film genre it borrows.

5. 5

   What is a homage?

   Model answer

   A reference made in tribute to an admired product or maker, which asks to be recognised as such.

6. 6

   What is meant by a genre's repertoire of elements being shared across forms?

   Model answer

   The same conventions travel between film, television, games and advertising, so a viewer's knowledge from one form reads another.

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