Horizon Forbidden West: Audience and Industry blog tasks

 Look at this YouGov blog on the console gaming audience and answer the following questions:

1) What statistics can you find for the number of male / female players for the major consoles?

PS5 has a male audience of 71% male where as the female audience is only 29%. Xbox is 68 to 32 and the switch is 54 - 46.

2) What is the difference between 'hardcore' and 'casual' gamers - and which do you think would play Horizon Forbidden West?

Hardcore gamers are more willing to invest in more powerful equipment such as consoles whereas casual gamers fit more on switches and handheld devices. I think both play however its more likely to be hardcore gamers.

3) What are the different reasons YouGov researched for why players play games? Which of these would apply to Horizon Forbidden West?

To relax and pass time, To ease boredom, To emotionally connect with the story, Out of habit, to create your own world.

Look at the PlayStation website page for Horizon Forbidden West. Complete the following tasks: 

1) How is the game promoted to an audience?

 

There is gameplay footage within the trailer giving the audience a sneak peak as to what the game might contain.

2) What are the key features for the game listed on the site?

 

The open world aspect of the game, the different characters featured and some of the villians you face off with.

 

3) What information does the website offer players about the game world and characters? Give a few examples.

 

It describes the setting and characters, It labels Aloy as strong and independent and describes the game as vast as there are underwater sections with great detail that can be explored by characters in game.

4) What spin-offs and additional content are available as part of the Horizon franchise?  

 

They offer news content, wallpapers, lego sets etc.

5) Applying Henry Jenkins's work on fandom, what aspects of the website (you may need to scroll down) encourage fan activity and engagement with online Horizon communities?  

 

They have a guide specifically targetting oragami which allows fanbases to be able to create memorabillia of their own.

Read this Wired feature on Horizon Forbidden West's open world design. Answer the following questions: 

1) Why did the writer enjoy Horizon Forbidden West?

 

They liked the game because of the open world idea which allowed to be fully invested.

2) How is Horizon Forbidden West structured for players when they first start the game?

 

It lays out the overall mission of the game and a set of goals to complete.

3) Why does the writer feel HFW created a more successful open world game than The Witcher 3?

You couldn't do certain things without unlocking them even though the Witcher is open world.

Industries

Industry research

1) Research Sony PlayStation Studios. 

2) What studios are part of Sony PlayStation Studios?

  Asobi, Bend studio, Bluepoint games, Firesprite, Firewalk studios, Guerilla games, Haven studios, Housemarque, Insomniac, London Studio, Media Molecule, Naughty Dog, Nixxies, Polyphony digital, San diego studio

3) What notable games have they produced? 

 Spiderman, Grand Turismo, Uncharted and the Horizon franchise.

4) Now research Guerrilla Games. Look at the 'Explore' page in particular. Who owns Guerrilla Games and how does it reflect the modern videogames industry? 

 It is owned by Sony like all other companies which are subsidiarys to these big conglomerates who have power and control over the market and influence over the gaming market.

5) Choose one of the 'Guerrilla Spotlight' features and write three things you learn about the videogames industry and/or Guerrilla Games from the interview.

 

Read this USA Today feature on Guerrilla Games. Answer the following questions: 

1) Which three companies merged to become Guerrilla Games?

Orange games, Digital Infinity and Formula game development.

2) What other games and franchises were created by Guerrilla Games?

 Nijmegen Adventure, Zelda and Killzone.

3) How did Guerrilla maximise the Killzone franchise? 

 They focused on increasing the amount of sales it had so they could get a deal with sony.

4) What did Sony sign with Guerrilla in 2004? 

 Ensuring all games from 2004 were only playable on the sony consoles.

5) How is Horizon Forbidden West described in the article and what is the next stage for the franchise?  

The article refers to a sense of atmosphere in the game and a change in the normal style that Guerilla game often makes.


Regulation and PEGI

1) What is HFW's PEGI rating and what age rating do you feel would be appropriate? Why?

16 due to the kissing and violence.

2) Why is regulating videogames difficult in the digital age?

Games are easy to distribute and ages can be faked.

3) Are attitudes towards media content and regulation changing as a result of the internet? Explain your answer.

 People are more cautious to what content is out there so that they are not harmed due to misinformation.