Misrepresented Wargames: Sensationalism and Ludic Imagery in Television Journalism’s Portrayal of War

This study examines the convergence of ludification and mediatization in contemporary media culture, focusing on the increasing use of game-like aesthetics and simulations within Italian television journalism. I argue that a pronounced shift towards infotainment is blurring the lines between reality and representation, potentially distorting public understanding of complex events, particularly concerning conflict reporting. Through an analysis of Italian television programs, I identify a pattern of inaccurate use of ludic images (from both video games and board games) that circulate inappropriately in mainstream news programs. This intermedial influence, originating online, highlights an agenda-setting dynamic where misinformation readily enters established media narratives. Drawing on Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality, I contend that this trend contributes to a broader erosion of collective truth and underscores the urgent need for audiencefocused research investigating how viewers engage with sensationalist news content. Although centered on the Italian context, these findings may reflect a broader, transnational shift in media ecology, requiring greater media literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate an increasingly simulated reality.