Assassin’s Creed

Question 1

Historical Context of Video Games

Answer 1

Video games are a relatively new media form and they have grown massively since the 1970s with the construction of the “gamer”

Question 2

What 3 territories are video games culturally and financially significant in?

Answer 2

Japan, Europe and the USA

Question 3

How does Hesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory apply to Assassin’s Creed?

Answer 3

Ubisoft minimises risks and maximises audiences through their range of video game franchises.

They also invest more time into the next entry and return with success after a formula has faltered.

Assassin’s Creed is a wider revenue source as there are films, tv shows and music.

Question 4

Which company created Assassin’s Creed?

Answer 4

Ubisoft - employed on rota basis to ensure games in the franchise are constantly being developed.

Question 5

What is an AAA video game?

Answer 5

An anticipated video game release, backed by heavy funding for advertising and promotion.

Question 6

How does Assassin’s Creed capitalised across all video game markets?

Answer 6

Release many of the games simultaneously across all major platforms.

Question 7

How has Assassin’s Creed adapted to technological change?

Answer 7

The franchise has always tried to be on the ‘cutting edge’ of gaming technology as they aim to integrate the latest developments in console gaming into their narratives e.g. 4K resolution

Rumoured they are accommodating future game to VR.

Question 8

Mark of Quality

Answer 8

Assassin’s Creed contains a mark of quality as it is produced by Ubisoft who is well known for their high production values.

Ubisoft continuously attempts to improve their high production values by transitioning onto the next generation of consoles.

Question 9

Alternative/divergent platforms

Answer 9

Ubisoft have experimented with a variety of alternative/divergent platforms e.g. more accessible variants (handheld PS Vita, PSP, DS and the mobile phone app)

Question 10

How has technology impacted game distribution?

Answer 10

The majority of gamers will purchase their games online e.g. through Steam or Xbox Live.

Question 11

What are the benefits of purchasing video games online?

Answer 11

• all games in on place
• community page (reviews)
• demos/trailers
• won’t go out of stock
• can be cheaper
• game passes

Question 12

What are the con’s of purchasing video games online?

Answer 12

• hard to regulate
• can’t trade it in once you’ve finished playing it
• high chance of spending too much money/ getting hacked
• if you lose account, you lose purchases
• relies on internet connection
• no safeguarding

Question 13

Who regulates video games now?

Answer 13

Video Standards Council who apply the PEGI system

Question 14

What does PEGI stand for?

Answer 14

Pan European Game Information

Question 15

What is the PEGI system?

Answer 15

It uses the process of age ratings alongside visual descriptors of content so that audiences and have an understanding of the game content and make a decision if it’s suitable before purchasing.

Question 16

What are most Assassin’s Creed games rated?

Answer 16

At least 16

Question 17

Video game content warnings for 16+

Answer 17

• depictions of gross violence
• motiveless killing
• violence towards defenceless characters

Question 18

What is the violence like within Assassin’s Creed?

Answer 18

• graphic battles
• combat system which relies on brutal counter-attacks
• many missions focus on the assassinations of defenceless/innocent characters
• designed to punish players who randomly kill multiple NPCs by automatically failing the current mission

Question 19

Why is it typically a male protagonist the in Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Answer 19

• targeting the typical target audience demographics
• construct an identity for the audiences that could be their ‘desired self’

Question 20

Who is the target audience for the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Answer 20

• fans of previous games
• predominantly male (usually male protagonist)
• technologically savvy, enthusiastic, white male gamers
• 25-39 year olds with a comfortable disposable income and some time on their hands
• B, C1, C2

Question 21

Which game features a female protagonist?

Answer 21

Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation

Question 22

Why did Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation have a female protagonist?

Answer 22

Attempting to appeal to a different demographic.

Question 23

How does Aveline subvert the female video game character stereotype?

Answer 23

• her outfit is not revealing and could be seen as quite masculine
• she is creole whereas the women are typically Caucasian

Question 24

Percentage of male to female gamers

Answer 24

52% male
48% female

Question 25

How do sub-plots and side-quests target/construct audiences?

Answer 25

• complex story lines & puzzle-solving
• appreciation for historical contexts (may link to the fact that the average age of UK gamer is 34)

Question 26

How do cut scenes target/construct audiences?

Answer 26

• add cinematic scope
• real audience engagement (adds depth to narrative and story investment)

Question 27

What is a cut scene in a video game?

Answer 27

A sequence in a video game that is not interactive, interrupting the gameplay.

Question 28

How does Bulmer and Katz’s uses and gratifications theory apply to Assassin’s Creed?

Answer 28

• players are able to reinforce/change their identity
• multi-player functions allow for interaction with others
• allows for escapism with the extraordinary environments e.g. Valhallah is set in Anglo-Saxon England and Liberation is set in 18th Century French Louisiana