Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Technological Change

Question 1

What is the effect of the AC franchise incorporating the latest technologies into their products?

Answer 1

• The franchise has always strived to be on the ‘cutting edge’ of gaming technology as they aim to integrate the latest developments in console gaming into their narratives.

Question 2

What are a couple of examples of technology the AC franchise has used?

Answer 2

• Most recently they have included a ‘better than ever’ digital display through 4K resolution.
• It is rumoured that Ubisoft are developing Assassin’s Creed games to accommodate virtual reality platforms (including the Oculus Rift) for future release too.

Question 3

What are the connotations of the Assassin’s Creed Franchise?

Answer 3

• All games released within the AC franchise are now instantly recognised as part of a successful brand with connotations of quality and entertaining game-play.
• This coupled with their continuing transition onto whatever the next generation of console exists, could be seen as a continuous attempt to improve high game production values.

Question 4

How has Ubisoft engaged with other media formats?

Answer 4

• Ubisoft has experimented with a variety of alternative / divergent platforms, aside from the more mainstream console variation.
• This has included more accessible variants such as the hand held (PS Vita, PSP, Nintendo DS, etc.) and mobile phone app (Windows, iOS, Android) market.
• Many of these games were initially exclusive to that format, although tended to be limited by the technology of that device.
• Instead of the third person graphically superior imagery used within the console versions, many of the mobile alternatives tended to be side scrolling platform adventures, for example.

Question 5

How has the distribution of video games changed in the face of technological change?

Answer 5

• In terms of distribution, many games in the franchise can be purchased directly over the internet using outlets such as Steam, the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live (now Xbox Network), Stadia (Google owned) or Amazon Luna.
• In many cases some some of these online purchases offer exclusive deals or variations over the usual retail version.