Industry & Audience Flashcards
Industry: Product Context
-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
Who published Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Ubisoft Montreal
Ubisoft Montreal is one of the many studios under the Ubisoft umbrella.
Which studio published Assassin’s Creed Liberation?
Ubisoft Sofia
Ubisoft Sofia is one of over 45 studios under Ubisoft.
How many incarnations of the Assassin’s Creed game are there?
12 incarnations
This includes main series games and spin-offs.
What type of game is Assassin’s Creed?
Action adventure, open world game
The game is played from a third person perspective.
What is a defining feature of each Assassin’s Creed game?
Set in a historical setting with a new story and time period
Each game offers a unique narrative experience.
How many units has the Assassin’s Creed franchise sold since its introduction in 2007?
200 million units
This figure highlights the franchise’s popularity and commercial success.
Which game helped boost the franchise’s sales in 2020?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Valhalla sold more units in its first week than any other game in the series.
What position does Valhalla hold in the series?
12th major game
It followed Odyssey and introduced cross-platform release.
How many copies of Valhalla have been sold to date?
1.7 million copies
This makes it the most popular entry in the franchise.
What is the age restriction for Assassin’s Creed games?
18
This reflects the mature content typically present in the games.
What was the budget for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
$500 million
This budget underscores the scale and ambition of the game.
When did gaming begin and with what console?
1972 with the Magnavox Odyssey
The first game was a simulator called Pong.
What significant game was released in 1978 that contributed to the development of amusement arcades?
Space Invaders
This game created tension and adrenaline among players.
Which game attempted to appeal to a female audience in 1980?
Pacman
Pacman was given a face just after the release of the Intellivision.
What was notable about the game Doom released in the early 1990s?
It became the first first-person game
Doom marked a significant advancement in gaming technology.
What was the first console released by Nintendo?
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985
The NES played a crucial role in popularizing video gaming.
What major console was released a decade after the NES?
The first PlayStation
The PlayStation significantly impacted the gaming industry.
What influential game and console were released in 2001?
Grand Theft Auto and the first Xbox
GTA influenced visuals and provided freedom in gameplay.
What game released in 2006 allowed players to connect with family?
Wii Sports
Wii Sports was recognized as a best-playing game.
Which game released in 2013 provided an emotional experience?
The Last of Us
It was released alongside the PS4.
What is the most recent PlayStation console mentioned in the content?
PS5, released in 2020
The PS5 represents the latest advancement in gaming technology.
Fill in the blank: The release of _______ in 1985 marked the beginning of a new era in home gaming.
Nintendo Entertainment System
True or False: The game Night Trap was notable for beginning to sexualize women in video games.
True
Night Trap was one of the early games to include sexualized content.
When was the first gaming console, The Magnavox Odyssey, released?
1972
The Magnavox Odyssey is considered the first home video game console.
How have the profits of the gaming industry compared to other media industries?
They have rivalled those of major films
The gaming industry’s rapid growth has led to significant financial success.
What are some examples of gaming consoles mentioned?
- Xbox 360
- PlayStation
- PlayStation Vita
These consoles provide diverse gaming experiences and multiplayer interactivity.
What demographic changes have occurred in the gaming community?
Gamers of all ages, genders, and demographics
A quarter of gamers in the UK are over 50 years of age.
True or False: The profile of gamers has remained the same over the years.
False
The traditional image of a lone male teenager has evolved significantly.
What has contributed to the serious perception of playing computer games as a media industry?
Complexity in construction and varied demands on gamers
Games are increasingly recognized for their intricate design and engagement.
Fill in the blank: The gaming industry has seen rapid growth since the _______.
[1970s]
This period marks the beginning of significant advancements in gaming.
What aspect of gaming has expanded due to technological development?
Multiplayer interactivity
This feature enhances the gaming experience by allowing multiple players to engage simultaneously.
What years does Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla take place?
872-878 AD
Who is the main character controlled by the player in Valhalla?
Eivor
What two factions are involved in the conflict in Valhalla?
Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order
Can players choose the gender of the main character in Valhalla?
Yes, players can play as either a male or female character
When was Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla released?
November 10, 2020
What platforms was Valhalla released on?
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, PlayStation 5
What aspects of Valhalla received praise from critics?
Narrative, characters, voice acting, visuals, soundtrack, world-design, interconnectivity of activities
What were the criticisms directed at Valhalla?
Repetitiveness, game-breaking bugs at launch, prioritizing microtransactions
What was the original release date announced for Valhalla?
November 17, 2020
What is significant about Valhalla in relation to new console generations?
First Assassin’s Creed title for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5
How many editions of Valhalla were released?
Four editions
What are the names of the editions of Valhalla?
Standard edition, Gold edition, Valhalla edition, Ragnarok edition
What benefit do players on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 have regarding upgrades?
They can upgrade to the next-gen version at no extra cost
What record did Valhalla set in its first week of release?
Sold more copies than any other Assassin’s Creed game
How many players had Valhalla reportedly reached by November 17, 2020?
Over 1.8 million players
How many physical copies of the PlayStation 4 version were sold in Japan within its first week?
45,055 copies
What was the ranking of the PlayStation 5 version in Japan’s best-selling retail games during its first week?
Twenty-fifth best-selling retail game
What milestone did Valhalla achieve in terms of revenue?
First AC game to generate over $1 billion in revenue
How long does it take to complete the main story of Valhalla?
52 hours
How long does it take to complete the game for completionists?
135 hours
True or False: The game prioritizes quality over quantity.
False
What is the estimated value of the global video games market in 2021?
$138.4 billion
This value increased from $52.8 billion in 2012.
How many active video game players are there globally?
3.09 billion
Asia is the biggest region for video game players.
What is the fastest growing area of the video games industry?
Mobile gaming
What are key factors for financial success in video game production?
Production and distribution models
Association with large producers and successful franchises helps secure financial success.
In what ways is revenue raised in the video game industry?
- Purchase of the game
- Related physical and digital merchandise
- Additional game content
Examples include digital costuming and props.
How many lifetime unit sales has the Assassin’s Creed series generated?
Approximately 200 million
What were the original production costs for Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed 2?
$20-25 million
What is the estimated development cost of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Around $500 million
How many copies did Assassin’s Creed Valhalla sell on release?
17 million
This allowed it to break even almost immediately.
What was the consumer revenue generated by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as of February 2022?
Over $1 billion
What marketing campaign technique did Assassin’s Creed Valhalla use on social media?
LIKEAVIKING
This created a converged campaign across platforms like TikTok.
What cinematic techniques were highlighted in the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla TV commercial?
- 4k graphics
- Cinematic devices and style
- Rising soundtrack
What was a unique feature of the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla character options?
Female and male protagonist options
What kind of historical context did the Valhalla campaign provide?
The historical time period of the Vikings
What type of content was promoted alongside the game?
DLC and expansion packs
Includes ‘gold edition’ versions.
What type of advertising was used in London for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Outdoor Advertising on the London underground
What collaboration did Ubisoft engage in with another game for Valhalla?
Collaboration with Epic Games on Fortnite Skins
True or False: The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla marketing campaign provided detailed gameplay information.
False
There was little indication of gameplay in the marketing.
What type of media did Ubisoft use to promote the history of The Vikings?
A historical podcast
What type of documentaries did Ubisoft produce for Valhalla?
Behind the scenes documentaries
Fill in the blank: The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its _______ unit sales.
200 million
What is a live service game?
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.
What are the benefits of a live service game?
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.
What has influenced the evolution of video game production techniques?
Increased competition and demand for games
This has led to more innovative production methods.
How does being part of a franchise benefit video game production?
Increases economic viability and establishes brand identity
A well-known franchise attracts a loyal audience.
What technological advances have shaped video games?
Complex gameplay, highly developed graphics, and advanced CGI
These advancements enhance the overall gaming experience.
What is typical of game production in larger studios like Ubisoft?
Multinational development
This approach allows for diverse talent and resources.
What decision was made regarding Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation for the PS Vita?
To tap into the increasing popularity of mobile gaming
This reflects the industry’s adaptation to new technology.
What features did the PS Vita include?
Portable, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, 3G, and Bluetooth capability
These features align with those of smartphones.
What was the significance of releasing AC III: Liberation as a PS Vita exclusive?
Attempt to bring high game production values to mobile gaming
It aimed to capture the burgeoning mobile gaming market.
When was AC III: Liberation released on other platforms?
2014
The game was modified to HD for a wider audience.
What was the impact of making AC III: Liberation available on multiple consoles?
Increased profit and power in the video game industry
This strategy aligns with industry goals.
When was AC Valhalla released?
2020
It coincided with the launch of new consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
What was a unique circumstance surrounding the release of AC Valhalla?
It was released during a global pandemic
This situation increased demand for home entertainment.
What do audiences now command in terms of game access?
Instant gratification
Audiences expect to access games immediately, a trend reinforced by Downloadable Content.
What feature has been introduced in newer games for cross-generational gaming?
Data transfer from earlier generation consoles
This includes cross-play and progression carrying progress between different platforms.
What has expanded the opportunities to distribute games and additional content?
Increased revenue for the franchise
The expansion in distribution and circulation has led to greater financial success.
Give an example of a game that offered a more immersive experience.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
It developed in line with changes in technology.
What is the significance of Assassin’s Creed Infinity announced in 2021?
It is a fully live service game
Inspired by games like Fortnite, it allows for time jumps and multiple historical settings.
What marketing strategies were used for the games in the franchise?
Trailers and gameplay videos
These strategies included free content updates like the ‘Mastery Challenge Pack 2: The Reckoning’.
What is the relationship between Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and the PS3 console version?
Linking both versions unlocks additional game content
This showcases the use of convergence in gaming.
What is the significance of digital convergence for Ubisoft?
It facilitates promotion, marketing, and circulation
It also allows for the development and re-release of complex game elements.
What potential risks are associated with digital convergence?
Piracy and leaked content
These are concerns for producers and the gaming community.
What is Steam?
A video game digital distribution service by Valve
It opened the market to independent developers.
What percentage of the PC gaming market did Steam hold in 2013?
Approximately 75%
This made it the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming.
How many games were available on Steam by 2021?
Over 34,000 games
Steam had over 132 million monthly active users by this time.
What is the primary service offered by Steam?
Allow users to purchase and download games
Users can add games to a virtual library for unlimited downloads.
What did Steam launch in 2022?
Steam Deck
A handheld gaming computer developed with Advanced Micro Devices.
What demographic primarily engages in mobile gaming?
Mostly female demographic
This indicates a shift in the gaming audience.
What partnership did Ubisoft enter in 2023?
Partnered with Netflix
They released three exclusive mobile games for Netflix members.
How does video game regulation vary globally?
It differs but is becoming standardized in Europe
This addresses concerns over violent behavior linked to gaming.
What organization regulated video games in the UK until July 2012?
BBFC
Video games are now largely regulated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) using the PEGI system.
What does the PEGI system aim to achieve?
Harmonize the protection of children across Europe
It provides age ratings and visual content descriptors.
When was the Pan-European Game Information age rating system established?
2003
It replaced various national age rating systems with a single system.
What major console manufacturers support the PEGI system?
Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
They support the system along with game publishers and developers in Europe.
What became illegal in July 2012 regarding PEGI ratings?
Selling a game with a PEGI age rating to someone below that age
This law aims to protect minors from inappropriate content.
What do audiences now command in terms of game access?
Instant gratification
Audiences expect to access games immediately, a trend reinforced by Downloadable Content.
What feature has been introduced in newer games for cross-generational gaming?
Data transfer from earlier generation consoles
This includes cross-play and progression carrying progress between different platforms.
What has expanded the opportunities to distribute games and additional content?
Increased revenue for the franchise
The expansion in distribution and circulation has led to greater financial success.
Give an example of a game that offered a more immersive experience.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
It developed in line with changes in technology.
What is the significance of Assassin’s Creed Infinity announced in 2021?
It is a fully live service game
Inspired by games like Fortnite, it allows for time jumps and multiple historical settings.
What marketing strategies were used for the games in the franchise?
Trailers and gameplay videos
These strategies included free content updates like the ‘Mastery Challenge Pack 2: The Reckoning’.
What is the relationship between Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and the PS3 console version?
Linking both versions unlocks additional game content
This showcases the use of convergence in gaming.
What is the significance of digital convergence for Ubisoft?
It facilitates promotion, marketing, and circulation
It also allows for the development and re-release of complex game elements.
What potential risks are associated with digital convergence?
Piracy and leaked content
These are concerns for producers and the gaming community.
What is Steam?
A video game digital distribution service by Valve
It opened the market to independent developers.
What percentage of the PC gaming market did Steam hold in 2013?
Approximately 75%
This made it the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming.
How many games were available on Steam by 2021?
Over 34,000 games
Steam had over 132 million monthly active users by this time.
What is the primary service offered by Steam?
Allow users to purchase and download games
Users can add games to a virtual library for unlimited downloads.
What did Steam launch in 2022?
Steam Deck
A handheld gaming computer developed with Advanced Micro Devices.
What demographic primarily engages in mobile gaming?
Mostly female demographic
This indicates a shift in the gaming audience.
What partnership did Ubisoft enter in 2023?
Partnered with Netflix
They released three exclusive mobile games for Netflix members.
How does video game regulation vary globally?
It differs but is becoming standardized in Europe
This addresses concerns over violent behavior linked to gaming.
What organization regulated video games in the UK until July 2012?
BBFC
Video games are now largely regulated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) using the PEGI system.
What does the PEGI system aim to achieve?
Harmonize the protection of children across Europe
It provides age ratings and visual content descriptors.
When was the Pan-European Game Information age rating system established?
2003
It replaced various national age rating systems with a single system.
What major console manufacturers support the PEGI system?
Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
They support the system along with game publishers and developers in Europe.
What became illegal in July 2012 regarding PEGI ratings?
Selling a game with a PEGI age rating to someone below that age
This law aims to protect minors from inappropriate content.
