Component 1: Section B - Industry and Audience - Assasins Creed III: Liberation

Question 1

Who developed the game?

Answer 1

• Ubisoft

Question 2

When was the game released?

Answer 2

• October 30th 2012

Question 3

Which other game was Assassins Creed III: Liberation released alongside, and what is it called when this happens?

Answer 3

• Assassins Creed III

- Simultaneous release

Question 4

Originally, which device was the game released exclusively for?

Answer 4

• The PS Vita

Question 5

In 2014, the game became available to play on a wide range of consoles. Give at least one example of the consoles that the game could now be played on.

Answer 5

At least two from:

• The PS3
• XBox 360
• Microsoft Windows

Question 6

What does the game offer?

Answer 6

• Familiar pleasures to existing fans.

- New elements to target a wider audience such as the use of a strong female protagonist.

Question 7

Complete the sentence:

Video games are a relatively ______ media form.

Answer 7

• New

Question 8

The game was released across three major territories, what are these?

Answer 8

• Japan
• Europe
• USA

Question 9

Which conglomerate owns the Play Station Vita?

Answer 9

• Sony

Question 10

What could be the potential meaning/reasoning behind having a simultaneous release?

Answer 10

• In order to attempt to impact on the three major markets (Europe, Japan and the USA) for console and video game release.

Question 11

Complete the sentence:

In terms of production, the game was a _______ development which is _____ of game production for larger production studios such as ______

Answer 11

• Multinational
• Typical
• Ubisoft

Question 12

Complete the sentence:

PS _____ was attempting to tap into the _____ success of mobile ______ by having a games _____ which is designed with many features usually found on mobile phones, such as _____, WiFi, 3G and ______ capability.

Answer 12

• Vita
• Increasing
• Gaming
• Console
• Touchscreen
• Bluetooth

Question 13

Complete the sentence:

The game was part of a popular ______

Answer 13

• Franchise

Question 14

How could the fact that the game itself was part of a popular games franchise be potentially significant?

Answer 14

• Because it could be seen as an attempt to bring high production values.

Question 15

Complete the sentence:

In terms of _____, new versions of the game released in 2014 on platforms such as the ________, XBox_____ and _____________ could be purchased over the internet using outlets such as Steam, Playstation Network and ______

Answer 15

• Distribution
• PS3
• 360
• Microsoft Windows
• XBox Live Arcade

Question 16

Who regulates video games?

Answer 16

• The Video Standards Council (VSC).

Question 17

What system do video game regulators follow?

Answer 17

• PEGI (Pan European Game Information)

Question 18

How can PEGI be discussed?

Give at least one way.

Answer 18

At least one from:

• In terms of its processes such as age ratings and visual descriptors of content.
• It terms of it’s attempt to to harmonise the protection of children across Europe.

Question 19

What is the age rating classification of the game?

Answer 19

• 18

Question 20

What does the internet/WiFi functionality of the game allow users to do?
Give at least one example.

Answer 20

At least one from:

• Potentially download additional content such as weapons, characters or outfits.
• It allows users to take part in multiplayer games which promotes gamer entertainment and identification with the game.

Question 21

What does the convergent PS Vita with access to the internet do to regulation, according to Livingstone and Lunt?

Answer 21

• Open up new risks that arguably complicate regulation.

Question 22

How does the game conform to the ideas of Hesmondalgh with regards to the fact that the media industry wants to minimise risks and maximise profits?

Answer 22

• The fact that it is part of a large franchise means that it can have high production values as well as a large fan base to harness the popularity of this franchise in order to encourage sales of the game itself and of the PS Vita.

Question 23

What does the fact that the game has a female protagonist do?

Answer 23

• Subvert Van Zoonen’s ideas that women are objectified in the media and instead, replaces these ideas with ideas of power and strength.

Question 24

How does the fact that the game is for a hand held device impact on audiences?

Answer 24

• It suggests that the game is potentially aimed at a more casual or mobile gamer.

Question 25

How does the fact that the game has a female protagonist impact on audiences?

Answer 25

• The female protagonist may allow for female gamer identification.

Question 26

What may the fact that the game is linked to a more traditional console version which was simultaneously released with the game, be seen as an attempt to do?

Answer 26

• Draw gamers from other platforms to purchase additional hardware and adopt new gaming habits.

Question 27

How are the two versions of the game linked?

Answer 27

• In terms of downloadable content and special features.

Question 28

What might the fact that the two versions of the game are linked, encourage gamers to potentially do?

Answer 28

• Have a more complete or satisfying experience by using a range of interlinked products that offer exclusive downloadable content.

Question 29

Why did the game receive an 18 rating from PEGI?

Answer 29

• Due to the largely violent content.

Question 30

How does the 18 rating from PEGI link to the ideas of Bandura with regards to imitable behaviours?

Answer 30

• The game would not have been rated any lower because of the capability for elements of the game to be imitated by children in real life. It is hoped that by the age of 18, people are sensible enough to not merge the world in the game with the real world, but this is a potential risk with younger children.

Question 31

What do video games offer?

Answer 31

• Social experiences and communities outside of the game experience.