Video game coverage in Spanish press (1982-2024): a case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1451Keywords:
cultural journalism, media, media coverage, media representation, print press, sentiment analysis, video game journalism, VideogamesAbstract
Introduction: The development of video games as an industry and its penetration into society are capturing an increasing interest from the press, a key factor in their recognition as cultural artifacts. The purpose of this study is to describe the general evolution of video game publications in El País and compare the media coverage of the sector between this newspaper and ABC. Methodology: A content analysis was conducted on 4,602 pieces published between July 1982 and April 2024, considering variables such as the sentiment of the headlines, the section, and the most repeated terms. Results: Since 1982, the annual number of pieces on video games has experienced clear growth, and the average sentiment of the headlines has become increasingly positive. 61% of these texts are framed in technological or cultural sections. Between 2020 and 2023, ABC published more than three times as many pieces in the Technology section as El País. Conclusions: In 2014, there was a paradigm shift regarding the coverage of video games and its recognition as culture. In general, most publications about the medium revolve around the industry, consoles, and releases.
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