Assassin's creed

Question 1

What is meant by a ‘triple A’ franchise?

Answer 1

produced and distributed by major publisher, higher marketing and development budgets

Question 2

What genre(s) does assassins creed fit into?

Answer 2

third person, open-world, stealth, action

Question 3

Briefly explain what is meant by distribution in the video games industry.

Answer 3

Release of video games to various consoles eg PS5, xbox 360
promote products through marketing, eg. gameplay

Question 4

bullet point the impacts of technology on video games

Answer 4

• new ‘on-the-go’ gaming
• assassins creed 3; lib, release
  exclusively on ps vita
• bluetooth, wifi.
• escapism (uses and grat)
• later release on xbox 360, digital/console convergence
• free, online version AC 2, money from ads
• online community, reddit,
• assasins creed rebellion, online RPG

Question 5

bullet point how assassins creed targets specialised audiences.

Answer 5

• brand identity, reaches a pre-sold audience. iconography of knife, hooded. language codes; “weapon” “enemy” direct address, escapism. social interaction between, fandom.
• USP of female main character ‘aveline’ . too specialised, choice?
• distribution - ‘on the go’ gamer - PS vita

Question 6

bullet point the impact of fandom on video games.

Answer 6

• henry jenkins assertion that fans are active participants in the construction and distribution of products.(participatory culture)
• fan forums and walkthrough videos show off aspects of the games, critique/ negative feedback.
• influencers distribute games to their respective audiences.

Question 7

Why do video games need regulation? how effective is it?

Answer 7

• livingstone lunt; underlying conflict between protecting consumers (e.g. young audiences from violent and graphic content) and the public’s rights to make choices and not be censored
• PEGI system enforced by video standards council
• Gerbner, repeated patterns of behaviour shape our understanding and behaviour.
• graphics = violence is more impactful?
• appeal to fans preconceived expectations?
• digital versions of games, not regulated.

Question 8

give 4 economic contexts of assassin’s creed

Answer 8

• large global economy, multiple languages.
• The release of new games can be a global events (comic con)
• The gaming industry is worth 347 billion dollars, growing fast.
• Ubisoft is worth 2.78 billion dollars, integration, power and profit, brand identity. Multinational production

Question 9

How has ubisoft enabled ‘cross generational’ gaming?

Answer 9

enabling saved progress across devices

Question 10

Apply david hesmondhalgh theory of cultural industries.

Answer 10

• marketing of new games as part of the franchise, recognisable brand identity; recognisable fonts, logos and gestural poses. fans and pre-sold audiences know what to expect
• difference in sequel format through; new settings, time periods, ect.

Question 11

Was assassins creed valhalla successful?

Answer 11

yes, made over $1 billion dollars following release

Question 12

Assassins creed netflix series and live action movie are examples of…

Answer 12

synergy

Question 13

explain the importance of DLC on assassins creed valhalla

Answer 13

• brings back popular characters
• eg. kassandra, female audiences

Question 14

WHy are previews of games sent to influencers?

Answer 14

‘opinion leaders’ promote and give feedback to audiences