Explain the impact of digitally convergent media platforms on video game production, distribution and consumption [15 Marks]

Multiplatforms created a community for consumers who could play and connect with players on other platforms. This cross media convergence allowed a greater mass market to create more income as it expanded without the need of buying a new console or device. YouTube has also impacted the distribution greatly as consumers then acted as prosumers, producing millions of videos, further promoting Minecraft. There are the same amount of views of Minecraft videos as those whop play the game. This promotion of the game is also unpaid by Minecraft. This means they don't need to pay for their greatest kind of promotion at all as the prosumers do it themselves. In comparison to rival companies, they save on their advertising/marketing, therefore maximising their profits. Minecraft also charges for modes and realms within the game. By doing this, it allows them to create an income on the already costing game. The attraction to these added features are all promoted and distributed across all media such as posts on social media (Instagram, twitter etc), YouTube, reviews etc.
Digitally convergent media platforms impacted production by allowing the creators to be exposed to reviews and ideas from the actual customers and consumers. This means posts of photos, videos, blogs etc can be seen by the creators who’d then take their opinions into account. This allows their customers to have an influence on the making of the updated games. For Minecraft, with many of the videos posted on Minecraft, Instagram or Twitter, their audience on social media then have a greater influence than those who aren’t on those apps which means their entire audience is not represented. Companies also use synergy in production to further promote and make profit. Minecraft for example, joined with Lego to make toys in the style of the Minecraft app as they too use blocks. There is a lot of merchandise also included in Minecraft's outreach. All of these tactics allow Minecraft to get their name out across different platforms. This impacts their production as they are then working on joint company work as well as just developing their game.