Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Media Technology & Consumption

Question 1

What is the intended effect of a simultaneous release across platforms in relation to the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Answer 1

• The simultaneous release across as broad a range of devices as possible of the majority of the video games in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, might be considered as an attempt to draw video gamers from different platforms.
• Console and PC video game
  audiences are often targeted to purchase additional hardware (i.e.:- A console ‘upgrade’) and / or adopt new gaming habits.

Answer 2

• The Assassin’s Creed games have been used in package deals / special editions to sell the latest next generation console in the past (and currently as with Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla being repackaged with the PS5 and Xbox Series X respectively).

Answer 3

• Different versions of a game are often released, offering differing amounts of DLC (Downloadable Content) for the game itself - thus giving the gamer an opportunity for early customisation of their character / setting through access to exclusive content.

Answer 4

• This can include: Season Passes, Bonus Missions, Additional Costumes / Weapons, Free Seasonal Content, etc.
• These ‘buy-in’ editions are often
  criticised by gamers and parents alike, for their exploitation of the gamer - a
  cynical ‘cash grab’ by the games company to ‘fleece’ its customers

Answer 5

• The Assassin’s Creed brand has expanded beyond video games to become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2007, spanning media crossovers and building it’s own line of merchandise. Novels, comics, action figures, statues, branded clothing ranges, game soundtracks, a feature film starring Michael Fassbender
  (2016) and an upcoming Netflix show (scheduled for release in the next few years).