Industry & Audience Flashcards

1
Q

Industry: Product Context

A

-Assassin’s Creed Valhall was published by Ubisoft Montreal and AC Liberation was published by Ubisoft Sofia (has over 45 studios and has a net work of $2.97B) encompasses 12 incarnations of the game, plus spin-offs.

-It is an action adventure, open world game, played from a third person perspective

-Each game is set in a historical setting with a new story and time period

-The franchise recorded sales of 200 million units since its introduction in 2007

-This was helped by the launch of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2020 which sold more units in its first week than any other game in the series

-Valhalla is the 12th major game in the series and followed Odyssey and was the first game to be released across generations of consoles (Cross Platform)

-1.7 million copies of this game were sold to date, making it the most popular entry in a series that has been regularly releasing at least a game a year since 2007

-Age restriction of 18

-However, games in the back catalogue of the franchise continue to be popular.

-Budget of 500 million for Valhalla

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2
Q

Who published Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

A

Ubisoft Montreal

Ubisoft Montreal is one of the many studios under the Ubisoft umbrella.

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3
Q

Which studio published Assassin’s Creed Liberation?

A

Ubisoft Sofia

Ubisoft Sofia is one of over 45 studios under Ubisoft.

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4
Q

How many incarnations of the Assassin’s Creed game are there?

A

12 incarnations

This includes main series games and spin-offs.

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5
Q

What type of game is Assassin’s Creed?

A

Action adventure, open world game

The game is played from a third person perspective.

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6
Q

What is a defining feature of each Assassin’s Creed game?

A

Set in a historical setting with a new story and time period

Each game offers a unique narrative experience.

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7
Q

How many units has the Assassin’s Creed franchise sold since its introduction in 2007?

A

200 million units

This figure highlights the franchise’s popularity and commercial success.

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8
Q

Which game helped boost the franchise’s sales in 2020?

A

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Valhalla sold more units in its first week than any other game in the series.

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9
Q

What position does Valhalla hold in the series?

A

12th major game

It followed Odyssey and introduced cross-platform release.

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10
Q

How many copies of Valhalla have been sold to date?

A

1.7 million copies

This makes it the most popular entry in the franchise.

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11
Q

What is the age restriction for Assassin’s Creed games?

A

18

This reflects the mature content typically present in the games.

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12
Q

What was the budget for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

A

$500 million

This budget underscores the scale and ambition of the game.

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13
Q

When did gaming begin and with what console?

A

1972 with the Magnavox Odyssey

The first game was a simulator called Pong.

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14
Q

What significant game was released in 1978 that contributed to the development of amusement arcades?

A

Space Invaders

This game created tension and adrenaline among players.

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15
Q

Which game attempted to appeal to a female audience in 1980?

A

Pacman

Pacman was given a face just after the release of the Intellivision.

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16
Q

What was notable about the game Doom released in the early 1990s?

A

It became the first first-person game

Doom marked a significant advancement in gaming technology.

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17
Q

What was the first console released by Nintendo?

A

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985

The NES played a crucial role in popularizing video gaming.

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18
Q

What major console was released a decade after the NES?

A

The first PlayStation

The PlayStation significantly impacted the gaming industry.

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19
Q

What influential game and console were released in 2001?

A

Grand Theft Auto and the first Xbox

GTA influenced visuals and provided freedom in gameplay.

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20
Q

What game released in 2006 allowed players to connect with family?

A

Wii Sports

Wii Sports was recognized as a best-playing game.

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21
Q

Which game released in 2013 provided an emotional experience?

A

The Last of Us

It was released alongside the PS4.

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22
Q

What is the most recent PlayStation console mentioned in the content?

A

PS5, released in 2020

The PS5 represents the latest advancement in gaming technology.

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23
Q

Fill in the blank: The release of _______ in 1985 marked the beginning of a new era in home gaming.

A

Nintendo Entertainment System

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24
Q

True or False: The game Night Trap was notable for beginning to sexualize women in video games.

A

True

Night Trap was one of the early games to include sexualized content.

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25
Q

When was the first gaming console, The Magnavox Odyssey, released?

A

1972

The Magnavox Odyssey is considered the first home video game console.

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26
Q

How have the profits of the gaming industry compared to other media industries?

A

They have rivalled those of major films

The gaming industry’s rapid growth has led to significant financial success.

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27
Q

What are some examples of gaming consoles mentioned?

A
  • Xbox 360
  • PlayStation
  • PlayStation Vita

These consoles provide diverse gaming experiences and multiplayer interactivity.

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28
Q

What demographic changes have occurred in the gaming community?

A

Gamers of all ages, genders, and demographics

A quarter of gamers in the UK are over 50 years of age.

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29
Q

True or False: The profile of gamers has remained the same over the years.

A

False

The traditional image of a lone male teenager has evolved significantly.

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30
Q

What has contributed to the serious perception of playing computer games as a media industry?

A

Complexity in construction and varied demands on gamers

Games are increasingly recognized for their intricate design and engagement.

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31
Q

Fill in the blank: The gaming industry has seen rapid growth since the _______.

A

[1970s]

This period marks the beginning of significant advancements in gaming.

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32
Q

What aspect of gaming has expanded due to technological development?

A

Multiplayer interactivity

This feature enhances the gaming experience by allowing multiple players to engage simultaneously.

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33
Q

What years does Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla take place?

A

872-878 AD

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34
Q

Who is the main character controlled by the player in Valhalla?

A

Eivor

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35
Q

What two factions are involved in the conflict in Valhalla?

A

Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order

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36
Q

Can players choose the gender of the main character in Valhalla?

A

Yes, players can play as either a male or female character

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37
Q

When was Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla released?

A

November 10, 2020

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38
Q

What platforms was Valhalla released on?

A

Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, PlayStation 5

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39
Q

What aspects of Valhalla received praise from critics?

A

Narrative, characters, voice acting, visuals, soundtrack, world-design, interconnectivity of activities

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40
Q

What were the criticisms directed at Valhalla?

A

Repetitiveness, game-breaking bugs at launch, prioritizing microtransactions

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41
Q

What was the original release date announced for Valhalla?

A

November 17, 2020

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42
Q

What is significant about Valhalla in relation to new console generations?

A

First Assassin’s Creed title for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5

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43
Q

How many editions of Valhalla were released?

A

Four editions

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44
Q

What are the names of the editions of Valhalla?

A

Standard edition, Gold edition, Valhalla edition, Ragnarok edition

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45
Q

What benefit do players on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 have regarding upgrades?

A

They can upgrade to the next-gen version at no extra cost

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46
Q

What record did Valhalla set in its first week of release?

A

Sold more copies than any other Assassin’s Creed game

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47
Q

How many players had Valhalla reportedly reached by November 17, 2020?

A

Over 1.8 million players

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48
Q

How many physical copies of the PlayStation 4 version were sold in Japan within its first week?

A

45,055 copies

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49
Q

What was the ranking of the PlayStation 5 version in Japan’s best-selling retail games during its first week?

A

Twenty-fifth best-selling retail game

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50
Q

What milestone did Valhalla achieve in terms of revenue?

A

First AC game to generate over $1 billion in revenue

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51
Q

How long does it take to complete the main story of Valhalla?

A

52 hours

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52
Q

How long does it take to complete the game for completionists?

A

135 hours

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53
Q

True or False: The game prioritizes quality over quantity.

A

False

54
Q

What is the estimated value of the global video games market in 2021?

A

$138.4 billion

This value increased from $52.8 billion in 2012.

55
Q

How many active video game players are there globally?

A

3.09 billion

Asia is the biggest region for video game players.

56
Q

What is the fastest growing area of the video games industry?

A

Mobile gaming

57
Q

What are key factors for financial success in video game production?

A

Production and distribution models

Association with large producers and successful franchises helps secure financial success.

58
Q

In what ways is revenue raised in the video game industry?

A
  • Purchase of the game
  • Related physical and digital merchandise
  • Additional game content

Examples include digital costuming and props.

59
Q

How many lifetime unit sales has the Assassin’s Creed series generated?

A

Approximately 200 million

60
Q

What were the original production costs for Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed 2?

A

$20-25 million

61
Q

What is the estimated development cost of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

A

Around $500 million

62
Q

How many copies did Assassin’s Creed Valhalla sell on release?

A

17 million

This allowed it to break even almost immediately.

63
Q

What was the consumer revenue generated by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as of February 2022?

A

Over $1 billion

64
Q

What marketing campaign technique did Assassin’s Creed Valhalla use on social media?

A

LIKEAVIKING

This created a converged campaign across platforms like TikTok.

65
Q

What cinematic techniques were highlighted in the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla TV commercial?

A
  • 4k graphics
  • Cinematic devices and style
  • Rising soundtrack
66
Q

What was a unique feature of the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla character options?

A

Female and male protagonist options

67
Q

What kind of historical context did the Valhalla campaign provide?

A

The historical time period of the Vikings

68
Q

What type of content was promoted alongside the game?

A

DLC and expansion packs

Includes ‘gold edition’ versions.

69
Q

What type of advertising was used in London for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

A

Outdoor Advertising on the London underground

70
Q

What collaboration did Ubisoft engage in with another game for Valhalla?

A

Collaboration with Epic Games on Fortnite Skins

71
Q

True or False: The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla marketing campaign provided detailed gameplay information.

A

False

There was little indication of gameplay in the marketing.

72
Q

What type of media did Ubisoft use to promote the history of The Vikings?

A

A historical podcast

73
Q

What type of documentaries did Ubisoft produce for Valhalla?

A

Behind the scenes documentaries

74
Q

Fill in the blank: The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its _______ unit sales.

A

200 million

75
Q

What is a live service game?

A

A game that sees continuous updates and adaptations, designed to keep players engaged for many years after launch

Examples include Fortnite and the upcoming AC Infinity by Ubisoft.

76
Q

What are the benefits of a live service game?

A

Enables time jumping, includes multiple settings, ensures franchise longevity, minimizes risk, and maximizes profit

This model allows developers to tailor content to audience interests through social media feedback.

77
Q

What has influenced the evolution of video game production techniques?

A

Increased competition and demand for games

This has led to more innovative production methods.

78
Q

How does being part of a franchise benefit video game production?

A

Increases economic viability and establishes brand identity

A well-known franchise attracts a loyal audience.

79
Q

What technological advances have shaped video games?

A

Complex gameplay, highly developed graphics, and advanced CGI

These advancements enhance the overall gaming experience.

80
Q

What is typical of game production in larger studios like Ubisoft?

A

Multinational development

This approach allows for diverse talent and resources.

81
Q

What decision was made regarding Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation for the PS Vita?

A

To tap into the increasing popularity of mobile gaming

This reflects the industry’s adaptation to new technology.

82
Q

What features did the PS Vita include?

A

Portable, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, 3G, and Bluetooth capability

These features align with those of smartphones.

83
Q

What was the significance of releasing AC III: Liberation as a PS Vita exclusive?

A

Attempt to bring high game production values to mobile gaming

It aimed to capture the burgeoning mobile gaming market.

84
Q

When was AC III: Liberation released on other platforms?

A

2014

The game was modified to HD for a wider audience.

85
Q

What was the impact of making AC III: Liberation available on multiple consoles?

A

Increased profit and power in the video game industry

This strategy aligns with industry goals.

86
Q

When was AC Valhalla released?

A

2020

It coincided with the launch of new consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

87
Q

What was a unique circumstance surrounding the release of AC Valhalla?

A

It was released during a global pandemic

This situation increased demand for home entertainment.

88
Q

What do audiences now command in terms of game access?

A

Instant gratification

Audiences expect to access games immediately, a trend reinforced by Downloadable Content.

89
Q

What feature has been introduced in newer games for cross-generational gaming?

A

Data transfer from earlier generation consoles

This includes cross-play and progression carrying progress between different platforms.

90
Q

What has expanded the opportunities to distribute games and additional content?

A

Increased revenue for the franchise

The expansion in distribution and circulation has led to greater financial success.

91
Q

Give an example of a game that offered a more immersive experience.

A

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

It developed in line with changes in technology.

92
Q

What is the significance of Assassin’s Creed Infinity announced in 2021?

A

It is a fully live service game

Inspired by games like Fortnite, it allows for time jumps and multiple historical settings.

93
Q

What marketing strategies were used for the games in the franchise?

A

Trailers and gameplay videos

These strategies included free content updates like the ‘Mastery Challenge Pack 2: The Reckoning’.

94
Q

What is the relationship between Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and the PS3 console version?

A

Linking both versions unlocks additional game content

This showcases the use of convergence in gaming.

95
Q

What is the significance of digital convergence for Ubisoft?

A

It facilitates promotion, marketing, and circulation

It also allows for the development and re-release of complex game elements.

96
Q

What potential risks are associated with digital convergence?

A

Piracy and leaked content

These are concerns for producers and the gaming community.

97
Q

What is Steam?

A

A video game digital distribution service by Valve

It opened the market to independent developers.

98
Q

What percentage of the PC gaming market did Steam hold in 2013?

A

Approximately 75%

This made it the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming.

99
Q

How many games were available on Steam by 2021?

A

Over 34,000 games

Steam had over 132 million monthly active users by this time.

100
Q

What is the primary service offered by Steam?

A

Allow users to purchase and download games

Users can add games to a virtual library for unlimited downloads.

101
Q

What did Steam launch in 2022?

A

Steam Deck

A handheld gaming computer developed with Advanced Micro Devices.

102
Q

What demographic primarily engages in mobile gaming?

A

Mostly female demographic

This indicates a shift in the gaming audience.

103
Q

What partnership did Ubisoft enter in 2023?

A

Partnered with Netflix

They released three exclusive mobile games for Netflix members.

104
Q

How does video game regulation vary globally?

A

It differs but is becoming standardized in Europe

This addresses concerns over violent behavior linked to gaming.

105
Q

What organization regulated video games in the UK until July 2012?

A

BBFC

Video games are now largely regulated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) using the PEGI system.

106
Q

What does the PEGI system aim to achieve?

A

Harmonize the protection of children across Europe

It provides age ratings and visual content descriptors.

107
Q

When was the Pan-European Game Information age rating system established?

A

2003

It replaced various national age rating systems with a single system.

108
Q

What major console manufacturers support the PEGI system?

A

Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo

They support the system along with game publishers and developers in Europe.

109
Q

What became illegal in July 2012 regarding PEGI ratings?

A

Selling a game with a PEGI age rating to someone below that age

This law aims to protect minors from inappropriate content.

110
Q

What do audiences now command in terms of game access?

A

Instant gratification

Audiences expect to access games immediately, a trend reinforced by Downloadable Content.

111
Q

What feature has been introduced in newer games for cross-generational gaming?

A

Data transfer from earlier generation consoles

This includes cross-play and progression carrying progress between different platforms.

112
Q

What has expanded the opportunities to distribute games and additional content?

A

Increased revenue for the franchise

The expansion in distribution and circulation has led to greater financial success.

113
Q

Give an example of a game that offered a more immersive experience.

A

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

It developed in line with changes in technology.

114
Q

What is the significance of Assassin’s Creed Infinity announced in 2021?

A

It is a fully live service game

Inspired by games like Fortnite, it allows for time jumps and multiple historical settings.

115
Q

What marketing strategies were used for the games in the franchise?

A

Trailers and gameplay videos

These strategies included free content updates like the ‘Mastery Challenge Pack 2: The Reckoning’.

116
Q

What is the relationship between Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and the PS3 console version?

A

Linking both versions unlocks additional game content

This showcases the use of convergence in gaming.

117
Q

What is the significance of digital convergence for Ubisoft?

A

It facilitates promotion, marketing, and circulation

It also allows for the development and re-release of complex game elements.

118
Q

What potential risks are associated with digital convergence?

A

Piracy and leaked content

These are concerns for producers and the gaming community.

119
Q

What is Steam?

A

A video game digital distribution service by Valve

It opened the market to independent developers.

120
Q

What percentage of the PC gaming market did Steam hold in 2013?

A

Approximately 75%

This made it the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming.

121
Q

How many games were available on Steam by 2021?

A

Over 34,000 games

Steam had over 132 million monthly active users by this time.

122
Q

What is the primary service offered by Steam?

A

Allow users to purchase and download games

Users can add games to a virtual library for unlimited downloads.

123
Q

What did Steam launch in 2022?

A

Steam Deck

A handheld gaming computer developed with Advanced Micro Devices.

124
Q

What demographic primarily engages in mobile gaming?

A

Mostly female demographic

This indicates a shift in the gaming audience.

125
Q

What partnership did Ubisoft enter in 2023?

A

Partnered with Netflix

They released three exclusive mobile games for Netflix members.

126
Q

How does video game regulation vary globally?

A

It differs but is becoming standardized in Europe

This addresses concerns over violent behavior linked to gaming.

127
Q

What organization regulated video games in the UK until July 2012?

A

BBFC

Video games are now largely regulated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) using the PEGI system.

128
Q

What does the PEGI system aim to achieve?

A

Harmonize the protection of children across Europe

It provides age ratings and visual content descriptors.

129
Q

When was the Pan-European Game Information age rating system established?

A

2003

It replaced various national age rating systems with a single system.

130
Q

What major console manufacturers support the PEGI system?

A

Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo

They support the system along with game publishers and developers in Europe.

131
Q

What became illegal in July 2012 regarding PEGI ratings?

A

Selling a game with a PEGI age rating to someone below that age

This law aims to protect minors from inappropriate content.