Digital game and applied folklore: Example of the Uruz Return of the Er Kishi

In the 21st century, known as the cyber age, the research field of folklore has expanded and has included digital productions and social networks. Digitization does not pose an obstacle to the production of folkloric products and has opened new research methods to discussion. Digital field; Media-communication, education, psychology, sociology, software, as well as the subject of investigation, are also of interest to folklore, necessitating interdisciplinary work. With globalization and digitalization, the lines separating consumption and production have become blurred, and digital games have become the most demanded productions in the consumption-oriented cyber culture. In addition to having a wide market, the digital game industry is a multi-layered industry with stages such as design, graphics, sound-music, software, marketing and testing in the production process. The video game constitutes a narrative in itself and connects with previous narratives. Myths and mythologies are among the most frequently used subjects of video games. In this sense, Turkish mythology finds a place for itself in both domestic and foreign productions. This study includes the examination of video games in the context of applied folklore. In the study, the traditional elements of the game called Uruz: Return of the Er Kishi, which is one of the last period digital games and the elements of Turkish mythology are used extensively, were investigated. The relationship of video games with folk culture was questioned and the transformation/change of the game in its traditional sense was emphasized. The concept of the game has been evaluated in terms of structure, content and function in its changing space. Digital games, which we accept as a new type of narrative, have been looked at with a multi-faceted approach through the video game Uruz: return of the er ksihi, and the desired, deficient or faulty aspects of the game, which is evaluated in the context of applied folklore, are clarified. In addition, how the Uruz game benefited from Turkish mythology and the cultural transfer, cultural marketing and cultural promotion functions of the game were revealed. Despite its shortcomings, Uruz is a game that can be considered a pioneer in this sense, which successfully uses cultural elements in terms of its content and design. As a result, it is hoped that the proliferation of Uruz-like games and Turkish mythology, which has a rich content for games, will also be a source for other video games.