Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Convergent Media Platforms

Question 1

What is significant about the releases of AC games?

Answer 1

• It is very significant that most releases within the Assassin’s Creed franchise do tend to offer the product over both major consoles (PlayStation and Xbox) and (significantly) PC as well.

Question 2

Convergence and AC:Valhalla

Answer 2

• The use of convergence is relevant in allowing the digital distribution and circulation of the video games in the franchise.
• This includes additional DLC (Downloadable Content) for the games through whichever delivery service is indigenous to that platform.

Question 3

How can convergent media formats for video games attract and maintain audiences?

Answer 3

• Sidequels and prequels would often be the territory of games exclusive to hand held / mobile phone devices, making their content more exclusive to fans of the franchise.
• In some cases players of both the main game on the popular console and the ‘spin-off’ on the hand held device would unlock additional content for their endeavours

Question 4

How does the internet impact media convergence with Video Games?

Answer 4

• The internet and wi-fi capabilities of modern gaming devices have allowed opportunities for convergence to exist.
• Although in some cases, the functionality of online game-play is not as impressive as promised upon initial promotion of the video game.
• E.g AC: Valhalla’s limited multi-online player feature

Answer 5

• There has been limited experimentation and success with some multi-player function (although not included in all AC games).
• There has yet to be an online version
  of the game which has true cross platform synergy - Xbox AC gamers cannot (and never could) play online with AC PlayStation gamers in the same virtual sandbox world)

Answer 6

• Video Game streaming sites (such as Twitch), digital video sites (such as YouTube) and social media have seen an influx of ‘prosumer’ content through the creation of walkthroughs, memes, and live video game demonstrations.
• Although the content is
  copyrighted by Ubisoft, this legal precedent is mostly waived as it represents a form of free advertising - fans are creating media products to showcase the playability of their game.