Audience

Question 1

How do video games reflect the society that produces them?

Answer 1

They change over the life of the franchise to reflect changes in society and culture.

Question 2

What adaptations has the Assassin’s Creed franchise made?

Answer 2

Inclusion of female protagonists and addressing audience expectations.

Question 3

Who was the first female protagonist in the Assassin’s Creed series?

Answer 3

Aveline in AC Liberation.

Question 4

What gender issues are debated within the gaming industry?

Answer 4

Under-representation and misrepresentation of females in video games.

Question 5

What is the assumption about girls and women in the gaming industry?

Answer 5

That they do not play video games.

Question 6

What is the reality of female participation in gaming?

Answer 6

The gender divide in video games is around a 50% split.

Question 7

What does the introduction of female protagonists indicate?

Answer 7

Ubisoft’s awareness to broaden their audience reach.

Question 8

How are women often presented in video games?

Answer 8

In sexualised ways that fulfil the ‘male gaze’.

Question 9

What is a criticism of female character design in games?

Answer 9

Women are given lingerie instead of armour like men.

Question 10

What past statement did Ubisoft make about women in games?

Answer 10

‘Women don’t sell’ and are too hard to animate.

Question 11

How do gamers’ social and cultural backgrounds influence their gaming choices?

Answer 11

They select games that reflect aspects of their identity.

Question 12

What is a key strategy for targeting audiences in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Answer 12

The brand identity of the franchise.

Question 13

How does technology impact game distribution?

Answer 13

Facilitates targeting of diverse audiences across different media platforms.

Question 14

What creates a sense of identity for players in games?

Answer 14

Identification with characters and interaction with online fan communities.

Question 15

What strategies have broadened the appeal of the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Answer 15

Inclusion of female protagonists and different historical settings.

Question 16

What distinguishes video games from other media products?

Answer 16

They provide unique experiences, including multi-playing online formats and persistent worlds.

MMORPGs allow many players to engage in a virtual world simultaneously, replicating real-world dynamics.

Question 17

Define MMORPG.

Answer 17

Massive multi-player online role-playing game.

MMORPGs feature persistent worlds that continue to exist even when players are offline.

Question 18

What are smaller online multi-player games characterized by?

Answer 18

Fewer players and non-persistent worlds.

Examples include FIFA 22 and Dark Souls, which differ in gameplay roles.

Question 19

What was the gaming phenomenon of 2016?

Answer 19

Pokémon Go.

This game incorporated augmented reality and location-based technology.

Question 20

What is the primary aim of role-playing games?

Answer 20

To complete missions by working together to overcome challenges.

Question 21

How do tasks in video games progress?

Answer 21

They become progressively more complex and challenging, often requiring repetition for success.

Question 22

What is the significance of intertextuality in video games?

Answer 22

Games may derive from other texts, like novels or comics, enhancing marketing efforts.

Question 23

How do different games position the player?

Answer 23

Through single-player, multi-player, controller distance, or character role-play.

Players can experience the game from first or third-person perspectives.

Question 24

What unique feature is associated with MMORPGs?

Answer 24

The use of avatars, allowing player representation and choice.

This also serves as a marketing strategy.

Question 25

What do consoles like Xbox Series X and PS5 enable for gamers?

Answer 25

Direct communication with other gamers, enhancing the virtual experience.

Question 26

How does game distribution across platforms affect audience consumption?

Answer 26

It encourages gamers to purchase additional hardware and adopt new gaming habits.

Question 27

What role do exclusive downloadable contents play for gamers?

Answer 27

They encourage a more complete experience through interlinked products. ## Footnote This is facilitated by convergent technology.

Question 28

What is a significant aspect of fan communities in gaming franchises?

Answer 28

They enhance interaction and responses, influencing future development of the franchise.

Question 29

How do video games appeal to audiences?

Answer 29

They offer collaborative and interactive experiences within online communities.

Question 30

What sense do players gain by influencing game narratives?

Answer 30

A sense of ownership and creativity in their decisions.

Question 31

How does player involvement create identification in gaming?

Answer 31

Through avatars and community engagement.

Question 32

What impact does the fanbase have on a game's success?

Answer 32

It significantly contributes to marketing and distribution, including reviews and gameplay videos.

Question 33

What does Ubisoft do to engage its fanbase?

Answer 33

Hosts discussion forums with news, player support, and community content.

Question 34

What skills may be developed through playing video games?

Answer 34

Technical and social skills.

Question 35

How do fan sites benefit diverse audiences?

Answer 35

They provide opportunities for engagement in the gaming community.

Question 36

What is a unique selling point of AC Liberation?

Answer 36

It was created for the PS Vita, targeting 'on the go' gamers and featuring a female assassin. ## Footnote Aveline de Grandpre is a mixed race protagonist.

Question 37

Why was the decision to include a female character in AC Liberation significant?

Answer 37

It aimed to broaden the audience base to include female gamers.

Question 38

What is a challenge in the creation and development of new games?

Answer 38

There may be long gaps between the launch of new titles in a franchise.

Question 39

What strategies are used to maintain audience interest in existing games?

Answer 39

Introducing new elements like crossover stories and expansion packs.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: The franchise has a well-established ________ enhanced by digital convergent platforms.

Answer 40

fan community.

Question 41

What socio-economic factors contribute to the cost of the game?

Answer 41

Expensive due to add ons etc. ## Footnote The inclusion of additional features increases the overall price of the game.

Question 42

What gender trends are noted in the audience of the franchise?

Answer 42

Male leans (more male assassins), Female assassins involved in Valhalla and Liberation ## Footnote The franchise features more masculine themes despite the inclusion of female characters.

Question 43

What is the significance of the inherited fanbase for the franchise?

Answer 43

Fans of the franchise are invested in narratives and themes, 'Gamer' loyalty ## Footnote Established loyalty among gamers enhances the franchise's appeal.

Question 44

According to Young and Rubican's 4Cs model, what audience category does the franchise fall into?

Answer 44

Mainstreamer ## Footnote This classification indicates a broad appeal among the general public.

Question 45

What age group is the primary target audience for the game?

Answer 45

18+ Audience ## Footnote The game is rated PEGI 18 due to violent content and criminal activity.

Question 46

What is the significance of the 18-35 age demographic in relation to the game?

Answer 46

18-35 will have grown up with the game ## Footnote This age group has likely been exposed to the franchise since its inception.

Question 47

What regions are associated with the audience of the franchise?

Answer 47

US/UK/Europe ## Footnote The franchise is recognized as a global entity with regional associations.

Question 48

How do unique interactive experiences in video games affect audience interpretations?

Answer 48

Influences interpretations as gamers are part of a fan community made up of diverse social and cultural backgrounds ## Footnote The interactive nature of games allows for varied personal connections among players.

Question 49

What choices do players make regarding video games based on their identity?

Answer 49

Selecting those that reflect aspects of their identity, e.g., female avatar or specific historical settings ## Footnote Players often seek representation and relevance in the games they choose.